Question

Why is it so important for supervision and delegation go hand in hand? What does accountability mean in delegation?

Answer 1

It is very important to function supervision and delegation hand in hand to improve the standard of care delivery. A great deal of hands-on care is now being delivered by support workers. It is
essential, therefore, to bear in mind that, while support workers are not
registered staff, they must be trained and qualified to a national standard. The
connection between staff development and quality of service is now at the
center of the government view.
Importantly, patients/clients have the right to know who is treating them and
expect that those who provide their care are knowledgeable and competent;
support workers need to feel confident of their abilities in this new and
changing environment; and registered practitioners need to feel confident in
delegating activities to their support workers.
By creating new roles, expanding existing ones and being able to delegate
more, the workforce will be more efficient and therefore able to give better
care to the patient. Support workers are a necessary and valued workforce
that should be trained appropriately and given opportunities to develop their
skills and prospects for career development. Bearing this in mind, it is also
vital that any physiotherapy services provided, meet the necessary
professional, legal and ethical standards of the profession. Supervision can vary in terms of what it covers. It may incorporate elements
of direction, guidance, observation, joint working, discussion, exchange of
ideas and co-ordination of activities. It may be direct or indirect, according to
the nature of the work being delegated. The decision concerning the amount
and type of supervision required by a support worker is based on the
registered practitioner’s judgement and is determined by the recorded
knowledge and competence of the support worker, the needs of the
patient/client, the service setting, and the delegated tasks.

Like other public bodies, the health service providers are accountable to both
the criminal and civil courts to ensure that their activities conform to legal
requirements. In addition, employees are accountable to their employer to
follow their contract of duty. Registered practitioners are also accountable to
regulatory and professional bodies in terms of standards of practice and
patient care. At present, support workers are not subject to professional
registration.
When delegating work to others, registered practitioners have a legal
responsibility to have determined the knowledge and skill level required to
perform the delegated task. The registered practitioner is accountable for delegating the task and the support worker is accountable for accepting the
delegated task, as well as being responsible for his/her actions in carrying it
out.