New roles and responsibilities. New approaches have broadened and improved the supervisor's role in quality management. The supervisor's role can go beyond inspection, however, to include supporting and guiding front-line workers.
Supervisors can reduce subordinates' fears and develop more trusting relationships.
Both link periodic visits by a supervisor with continuous self-improvement efforts by clinic staff. Where limited resources preclude this type of external supervision, a staff member at the site may assume supervisory functions. During a visit to a facility, the supervisor not only carries out the usual monitoring tasks reviewing records, touring the facility, observing consultations, and interviewing clients but also leads a staff meeting to discuss areas that need improvement and to develop recommendations.