Improving multidisciplinary clinical discussion on an inpatient mental health ward

Multidisciplinary team (MDT) clinical supervision is being used in many mental health services but at present has not received adequate attention by researchers in order to generate evidence-based approaches. The purpose of this paper is to explore the utility and staff perspectives of an MDT model of clinical supervision in the form of a “Clinical Discussion Group” (CDG) on an acute inpatient mental health ward within the context of the current literature on the components of effective supervision in order to make recommendations for practice.

In total, 12 members of staff working on the ward were interviewed to gather their perspective on attendance, helpful aspects, outcomes, unhelpful aspects, and changes. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

In total, 11 themes were identified, three within “The Group and how it operates” (attendance, discussion topics and facilitation), five within “Impact and Usefulness” (valued by staff, understanding a case, emotional benefit, learning and working together as a team) and three within “Changes to the Group” (organisation, discussion topic and group outcomes).

This paper explores the benefits and challenges of a CDG from the perspective of the staff who attend. It presents some recommendations for good practice which should be of use to managers and supervisors who wish to use team supervision to improve patient outcomes and also makes suggestions for future research in this field.