Imran Waheed, consultant psychiatristwww.bhampsych.com

July 2011

The Educational Supervisor

“I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn”

(Albert Einstein)

Introduction

Definitions

“The provision of guidance and feedback on matters of personal, professional and educational development in the context of a trainee’s experience of providing safe and appropriate patient care” (Kilminster et al. 2007)

“trainer who is selected and appropriately trained to be responsible for the overall supervision and management of a specified trainee’s educational progress during a training placement or series of placements.” (The Gold Guide)

Defining the role of the Educational Supervisor

Clinical supervision

Safe clinical oversight of trainees during routine activity on wards, in outpatients

or in the community

Educational supervision

Taking responsibility for overseeing the educational progress of a named trainee

over a period of time.

Educational supervisors need all the skills of clinical supervision plus

•an appreciation of supporting educational theory

•the ability to undertake appraisal, work with portfolios andprovide careers advice

•managing the trainee in difficulty with support from senior colleagues and deanery training structures

So what is the role in practical terms?

Regular meetings and contact – F2F, email & phoneCreate an open trusting relationship with traineesEnsure adequate development of learning portfolioFacilitate education and trainingSupervision of the trainee’s educational progressPastoral and careers counsellingSet realistic goals for improvement, monitor and

record outcomesGuiding, questioning, nurturing, challenging