Contributions of Peer Clinical Supervision to the Quality and Safety of Nursing Care: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Clinical supervision contributes to professional development, improvement of the quality of care and safety of patients, as it provides a collaborative learning environment among nurses, allowing the evaluation of evidence and critical reflection on their practices. Objective: Map the scientific evidence on the contribution of clinical peer supervision for the quality and safety of nursing care. Methods: Scoping review guided by the methodology proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Research carried out in the following databases: CINAHL®, Nursing & Allied Health Collection, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; Library, MedicLatina, via EBSCOhost. Studies written in English, Portuguese and Spanish published in the last five years were considered. Two independent reviewers analyzed relevance of studies, extraction and synthesis of data, with preparation of the respective flowchart. Results: A total of 22 studies were identified, and three categories emerged: direct contribution, indirect contribution and contribution inconclusive for the quality and safety of nursing care. Indirect contribution was subdivided into four subcategories: support and guidance, professional development, development of emotional skills and professional satisfaction. Conclusions: The process of clinical peer supervision is a valuable strategy not only to enhance the quality and safety of nursing care, but also to promote the professional development and well-being of nurses.