Research supervision: supervisory style, research-related tasks, importance and quality - part 1

Severinsson E. (2012) Journal of Nursing Management20, 215–223 Research supervision: supervisory style, research‐related tasks, importance and quality – part 1 Aim To examine postgraduate students’ and academic nurse supervisors’ views of research supervision by focusing on four major issues; supervisory style, research‐related tasks as well as the importance and quality of research supervision. Background Research supervision is central to the higher education programme and of particular relevance for scientific development of nursing leadership in order to improve health care. Methods A descriptive‐correlational design with descriptive and interferential statistics was used. Results Problem‐solving, research preparation, communication and interaction appear to be key aspects of supervisory style. The research‐related tasks of research supervision comprised monitoring the research process, providing encouragement and critical comments on drafts as well as fostering an academic role. The perception of the atmosphere of the session was good and the supervisors’ feedback on the text was deemed well‐prepared and constructive. Overall satisfaction with the quality of the academic leadership was high. Conclusion Research supervision is a mutual, interactive process aimed at improving the supervisor’s ability to be sensitive to the students’ competence and limitations. Implications for nursing leadership Academic leaders have a wide range of roles, research activities and serve as role models within their professions. Research supervision needs to be valued in order to promote closer and more collaborative research between clinical practice and academia.