A Pilot Study of Web Based Clinical Supervision for Clinicians Working with Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorders.
Date
2014-07-11
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Abstract
Introduction: Currently there is little understanding of the factors that contribute to the
successful implementation of clinical supervision in the development of new
competencies for senior practitioners. The two linked studies reported are part of a wider
inquiry to improve diagnostic services, interventions and outcomes for people with
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Methodology: This study aimed to explore the feasibility of implementing web-based
learning to deliver clinical supervision relating to the recognition, diagnosis and
management of ADHD and ASD. Two series of three web-based supervision seminars, facilitated by clinical and academic experts, were held for two sets of practitioners. Prior
to the start of the supervision process (time 1) each participant underwent an
assessment of knowledge, skills and attitudes, which was repeated at the end of the
study (time 2).
Participants who completed pre-study assessments were allocated to take part in either
the web-based supervision or the control groups. In total, 31 participants took part: 13 in
the ADHD study (seven received online supervision) and 18 in the ADHD study (seven
received online supervision).
Results: Although the study sample sizes were too small to carry out any meaningful
statistical analyses there were modest increases in clinical skills scores recorded by both
studies for three of the four groups with no change in knowledge scores for the ASD
supervision group.
Conclusion: Web Based Learning (WBL) encompasses any educational activity
undertaken over the internet and is now considered part of the mainstream in medical
education. The issues of accessibility to technology required for WBL may be a barrier to
widespread implementation and may be a contributory factor to the lack of published
evidence for the effectiveness of this approach.
Description
Keywords
Comparative effectiveness research, continuing education, continuing professional development, decision support, clinical, evidence-based, medicine, health policy
Citation
McCarthy Jane, Chaplin Eddie, Whitwell Susannah, Underwood Lisa, Asherson Philip, Murphy Declan. A Pilot Study of Web Based Clinical Supervision for Clinicians Working with Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorders. British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research. 2014 Aug; 4(23): 4030-4043.