Clinical Peer Supervision in Nursing - Identifying and Overcoming Challenges in Implementation: a Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Clinical Supervision contributes to professional development, improvement in the quality of care, and patient safety. However, the implementation of Clinical Peer Supervision in Nursing processes can be challenging, though crucial for enhancing the quality of care provided. Objective: Map scientific evidence on the barriers that hinder the implementation of a peer Clinical Supervision (CS) process in the provision of nursing care and clearly identify the factors that facilitate the process. Methods: A scoping review guided by the methodology proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Research was conducted in the following databases: CINAHL®, Nursing & Allied Health Collection, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; Library, MedicLatina, via EBSCOhost. Studies published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish from the last five years were considered, followed by relevance analysis, data extraction and synthesis, and the development of the corresponding flowchart. Results: Two categories emerged from the collected evidence: barriers/challenges and facilitators for the effective implementation of peer CS processes in Nursing. In the barriers/challenges category, we highlight 3 subcategories: individual factors, contextual constraints, and organizational barriers. In the facilitators category, the findings reveal 3 subcategories: relationship and effective communication; creation of a supportive environment; and development of organizational policies. Conclusions: Recognizing the factors that facilitate and hinder the implementation of CS of peers in Nursing processes enables the development of strategies that encourage nurse participation, reduce constraints, and maximize opportunities.