The Role of Gaze in Shaping Forms of Reflective Practice: A Legitimation Code Theory Analysis of Clinical Supervision in Danish Primary Care.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate how supervision models may cultivate or constrain different ways of knowing and learning in primary care. METHODOLOGICAL DESIGN AND JUSTIFICATION: The research employed a qualitative methodological design, grounded in Legitimation Code Theory, to gain an in-depth understanding of the dynamics at play within various supervision models. It aligns with the QRSR guidelines. ETHICAL ISSUES AND APPROVAL: Ethical considerations were thoroughly addressed, and approval was obtained prior to initiating the study, ensuring participant confidentiality and informed consent. RESEARCH METHODS, INSTRUMENTS, AND INTERVENTIONS: The study utilised qualitative interviews as the primary research method, conducting 18 interviews with a diverse range of healthcare professionals, including leaders, nurses, nursing assistants, physiotherapists, and both internal and external supervision consultants. OUTCOME MEASURES: The analysis focused on identifying how different supervision models influenced reflective practice and shaped the participants' perceptions regarding the effectiveness and utility of these models. RESULTS: Findings illustrated the complex interplay of cultivated, social, and trained gazes within healthcare settings, highlighting how different forms of legitimation shape what counts as meaningful understanding and reflective practice. STUDY LIMITATIONS: While the study provides valuable insights, it is important to acknowledge limitations related to the heterogeneous nature of the material across the interventions. CONCLUSIONS: The concept of gaze not only elucidates the presuppositions underlying different supervision models but also elucidates how the usefulness of different supervision models is legitimated within practice.