A qualitative investigation into perceptions of scientist-practitioner competence within supervision during psychology training programmes

Objective: Clinical supervision plays an important role in competency development during psychology practitioner training. How the scientist-practitioner competency is operationalised, disseminated, and evaluated in supervision is unclear. This study aimed to explore supervisor and trainee attitudes, opinions, and perceptions of scientist-practitioner competence. It also sought to understand what supervisors are doing in supervision to develop and assess the scientist-practitioner competency, as well as how trainees demonstrate the competency in supervision. Method: Three focus groups comprised 12 trainees and a total of 12 supervisor individual telephone interviews were conducted, where participants reflected on their supervision experiences, responding to questions about the scientist-practitioner competency. Results: A thematic analysis resulted in the identification of core themes and subthemes. Core themes identified were 1) Scientist-Practitioner Model as a Foundation to Professional and Ethical Practice; 2) The Translation of Science into Real-World Practice; 3) Flexibility to Learn/Change within the Scientist-Practitioner Model; 4) Supervision as the Route to Developing Scientist Practitioner Skills and Knowledge; and 5) Barriers and Challenges to Bridging Science and Practice. Conclusions: Findings reveal specific ways supervisors and trainees can acquire and demonstrate scientist-practitioner competence in supervision during professional training. This may assist with self- and other evaluation of scientist-practitioner competence in supervision. Implications for training, education, and supervision are discussed.