A systematic review of the factors that influence the quality and effectiveness of telesupervision for health professionals. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martin, Priya; Lizarondo, Lucylynn; Kumar, Saravana
• Is Part Of: Journal of telemedicine and telecare. Volume 24:Number 4(2018)
• Page Start: 271
• Page End: 281
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Tele-education -- clinical supervision -- telesupervision -- continuing professional development; Telecommunication in medicine -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1177/1357633X17698868
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1357-633X

Abstract

Introduction: Whilst telesupervision (clinical supervision undertaken using communication technology) is being used more frequently, there is limited information on what factors influence its effectiveness and quality. We undertook this systematic review to address this gap. Methods: Eligible telesupervision studies were identified following targeted search of electronic databases and the grey literature. Data were synthesised thematically, resulting in development of core themes. Results: We identified 286 papers for initial relevancy screening by title and abstract. The full text of 36 papers were then retrieved and assessed for further relevance. A total of 11 papers were included in the final analysis. We identified eight themes that contribute to effective and high-quality telesupervision: supervisee characteristics, supervisor characteristics, supervision characteristics, supervisory relationship, communication strategies, prior face-to-face contact, environmental factors and technological considerations. Conclusion: From the available evidence, telesupervision can be a feasible and acceptable form of clinical supervision if set up well. Further studies with robust designs are required to strengthen the existing evidence on what makes telesupervision effective, as well as to examine its cost-effectiveness.