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Risk managementFrom time to time, problems might arise in relationto your supervisee’s clinical practice. The first pointto remember is that prevention is better than cure!If your supervisee is carrying out a difficult andunfamiliar procedure for the first time, it is importantto talk them through all aspects of the procedure priorto starting. Consider detailing the steps to be carriedout, reviewing the xrays and treatment plan, discussthe placement of instruments, positioning of the chair,what they will say to the patient etc. Be clear up frontabout when you might need to intervene and how youwill do this if necessary. They need to know that you areboth on the same page and that you will be supportingthem throughout.The supervisor’s toolkit – activitiesIf you need to debrief a procedure that has not gonewell, first, clarify your supervisee’s understanding ofhow the procedure went. Give them the opportunityfor self-assessment and reflection before jumping inwith your opinion. If you find their understanding differsgreatly from yours, consult their teaching institution andcheck what they have been taught. Then come back tothem and clarify what went wrong and what the correctsteps should have been. Be clear about what they needto do and what your role is.Plan to observe them carrying out the same procedureagain at the next opportunity.If ongoing problems emerge that cannot be adequatelyaddressed through supervision, and if all other avenueshave been exhausted, you may need to report backto their teaching institution or professional body.Patient care must always be the main considerationand any risk to patient safety should be taken seriously.Refer to pages 61-62 for tips on managinga supervisee in difficulty.FIRST EDITIONHETI The Superguide87