Longitudinal Educational Supervision

A Pilot at Evelina London Children’s Hospital

Abstract

Background:

The RCPCH’s document “Paediatrician of the future: delivering really good training” introduces longitudinal educational supervision; Supervisors will have a persistent role enabling a stronger relationship between supervisor and trainee and allowing a more individualised approach to supervision. The London School of Paediatrics plans to introduce this concept. We undertook a pilot of longitudinal supervision at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital (ELCH)

Methods:

We identified junior doctors working at ELCH for more than one rotation and offered them opportunity to retain their current supervisor. We conducted a survey at the beginning and end of the pilot period, collecting qualitative and quantitative data. 

Results:

• 14 out of 33 eligible junior doctors opted in
• The commonest reason given for opting in was a good working relationship with their supervisor
• The commonest reasons given for opting out included increased meetings and paperwork, and supervisors outside the specialty aligned with personal career ambitions
• Of the participants who opted in, 7 completed the follow-up survey:
• 7 had a positive experience
• 6 would like the RCPCH or LSP to offer longitudinal supervision
• 2 reported there were too many meetings.
• 6 reported an overlap between clinical and educational supervisor roles
• 6 would prefer longitudinal supervision to be offered as opt-in rather than opt-out citing concerns regarding repercussions of not choosing a supervisor

Analysis:

There was a positive response to the pilot. Although limited by small sample size valuable qualitative data was obtained. There is a need for clarity and streamlining the roles of educational and clinical supervisors.