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A SHORT OVERVIEW OF SUPERVISION OUTCOME RESEARCH: METHODICAL AND PRACTICAL ISSUES ——o— ZSUZSANNA MIRNICS ABSTRACT Supervision is an effective method of personal and professional development. However, this method lacks a common theoretical background. Though research initiatives have addressed various specific questions, the evidence base for supervision is presently weak. Definitional problems, variability of context and other methodical debates affect possibilities of outcome measurement. Based on the literature of supervision, counselling and psychotherapy, in the present article, several measurement methods are presented. Questionnaires and interviews, as well as objective data may be collected from supervisors, supervisees and the community; also, experimental designs can be used as well. Until an evidence-based approach in supervision develops, the present practice may be based on critical factors drawn from "practice based evidence’, e.g. the importance of supervision relationship, feedback and active learning. DEFINITION Supervision is a process between someone called the supervisor and another person referred to as the supervisee and it is usually aimed at enhancing the helping effectiveness of the person supervised. It may include acquisition of practical skills, mastery of theoretical or technical knowledge, achieving personal and/or professional development.’ Supervision is reflective learning to improve practice through thinking about experiences and analysing/discussing assumptions and perceptions that underpin practice. It is the appropriate place ! Ferguson, K., ‘Professional Supervision’, in M. Rose — D. Best (eds.), Transforming Practice through Clinical Education, Professional Supervision and Mentoring, Edinburgh, Elsevier Churchill Livingstone, 2005.
