Supervised Practice - Residents
Terminology:
Supervisor — the experienced practitioner who mentors, supervises, and evaluates.
Resident — the practitioner being mentored under supervised practice.
Purpose
Supervised practice exists to protect the public while a Resident has not yet completed all required competency evaluations. The Supervisor's role is to help the Resident become a safe, effective, and professional physiotherapy provider by prioritizing the consolidation of entry-to-practice skills and judgment. Advanced or specialty training can follow once the Resident demonstrates consistent competence in the fundamentals.
Accountability: Supervisors are responsible for the conduct of their Residents during supervised practice and must ensure safe care, appropriate supervision, and timely intervention/escalation.
Required Supervision
Minimum: On-site, direct 1:1 supervision for the first two (2) weeks of supervised practice.
Why two weeks of direct supervision?
The initial two weeks provide sufficient direct observation and interaction to:
- Confirm the Resident’s strengths and any gaps in clinical exposure.
- Observe judgement, communication, and professionalism in real practice.
- Set a clear, individualized ongoing supervision plan, including the right mix of direct and indirect supervision, escalation thresholds, and feedback routines.
- Establish expectations for documentation, communication, and patient safety from the outset.
Ongoing supervision (after the first two weeks)
After the initial period, the Supervisor and Resident implement the individualized plan. At minimum, the plan must include:
- Defined supervision mix: a justified balance of direct and indirect supervision based on the Resident’s competence and case mix.
- Regular touchpoints: scheduled case reviews, coaching, and feedback.
- Observed practice: periodic direct observation (in person or synchronous) to verify safe, consistent performance.
- Documentation & evaluation: maintenance of supervision records and completion of required assessments at the frequencies set out in NSRPT program materials.
- Adjustments over time: supervision levels increase or decrease based on documented performance, risk, and completion of competency evaluations.
What Supervisors do
Supervisors work with Residents to:
- Identify gaps in clinical exposure or experience.
- Create and carry out a practical learning plan to strengthen core clinical and communication skills.
- Observe, coach, and provide timely, constructive feedback.
- Evaluate ongoing proficiency and consolidation of knowledge and skills, documenting progress and concerns, and intervening when standards or safety are at risk.
Documents for download
Supervised Practice Guideline and Forms
Clinical Practice Review Guideline 2023
Practice Review Reporting Timelines 2023