Radiographers' Perspectives on Clinical Supervision of Students in Ireland

The authors developed and executed an online national survey of clinical radiographers in Ireland involved in supervision of radiography students. The aim of the study was to explore radiographers’ attitudes and perceptions of confidence in undertaking clinical supervision, along with perceived barriers in a ‘real-life’ clinical department. The survey instrument was designed to gather information across the following domains: (1) Demographic data of participants; (2) Attitude and perceived level of confidence towards clinical supervision; (3) Perceived potential barriers to the efficacy of clinical supervision; (4) Potential supports to improve radiographer motivation and quality of supervision. There is an opportunity for this dataset to add to the evidence base on radiography clinical education. Such information has the potential to inform future practices and interventions tailored to the needs of the context by contributing towards engaging the full spectrum of those involved in all aspects of the clinical education of student radiographers. Thus far, this is, to our knowledge, the first national survey conducted in Europe, of radiographers to identify perceptions, barriers and potential enablers of effective student supervision in the clinical setting.