Presenting the case for all physiotherapists in New Zealand to be in professional supervision

Abstract

Professional supervision is a formalised process of support and learning which allows practitioners to develop and expand their professional knowledge and competence. Its aim is to assist practitioners to assume responsibility for their own practice and to ultimately ensure enhanced care and safety for patients. It is central to the process of ongoing learning and expansion of practice and provides a means of encouraging self-assessment, analytical and reflective skills of their work. This article aims to explain the difference between clinical and professional supervision, to expand the reader’s understanding of the process of professional supervision and then to give compelling reasons as to why all New Zealand physiotherapists should be both trained and regularly engage in professional supervision.