Clinical supervision: A panacea for missed care

Aim: Clinical supervision is proposed as a solution-focused approach that supports nurses in busy health care environments, helping address the mounting incidents of missed care. Background: The pervasive nature of missed nursing care is concerning. The growing body of evidence on missed care predominantly focuses on types and causes. However, the effectiveness of solution-focused interventions used to reduce incidents of missed care has received less attention. Methods: Drawing on the literature, it is proposed that clinical supervision supports personal and professional development, positive working environments and quality patient care outcomes, and therefore reduces missed care incidents. Results: Clinical supervision fosters a supportive working environment where opportunities to critically reflect on caring values are provided, commitment to improving standards of care is nurtured, and courage to challenge care standards is encouraged. Conclusion: In an era of reports highlighting declining standards of nursing care and a wealth of evidence highlighting the benefits of clinical supervision, it remains underused in many areas of nursing. Implications for Nursing Management: Nurse managers need to recognize the value of clinical supervision in improving standards of nursing care and assume leadership in its successful implementation.