Factors influencing participation in clinical supervision: a qualitative study reflecting physiotherapist and manager perspectives

Objective This study aimed to explore physiotherapist and manager perceptions of factors that influence physiotherapist participation in clinical supervision. Methods Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with physiotherapists (n = 15) and managers (n = 10) from a publicly funded health network. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative analysis of transcripts was completed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Three themes explained the factors perceived by participants to influence participation in clinical supervision: the value of clinical supervision; operationalisation of the organisational clinical supervision framework; and the clinical supervision culture. Identified factors influenced participation by either facilitating or discouraging access to supervision and prioritisation of supervision relative to competing professional demands. Conclusions Physiotherapist participation in clinical supervision is crucial for their professional development and to deliver high-quality care. Participation might be enhanced by initiatives that address factors identified in this study. These may include introducing processes that ensure supervisees and supervisors are accountable for their participation in supervision; providing alternative supervisory arrangements during leave, vacancies, or redeployment; allocating on-site supervisors to accommodate preferred supervision formats; and promoting a safe learning environment where physiotherapists can address knowledge or skill gaps without fear of judgement.