A practical and instructive guide to the ways that effective supervision can be used to promote continuing improvements in the performance of health workers. Noting that most supervisors are assigned responsibility without sufficient training, the book attempts to give the concept of supervision a precise meaning set out in a series of tasks, priorities, timetables, checklists, and instruments for assessment. Throughout, emphasis is placed on the crucial distinction between spot inspections and the kind of well-planned supervision that encourages health professionals to take pride in their work and strive to improve. Introductory chapters are followed by the presentation of 12 instruments designed to facilitate the supervisors task. These range from samples of targets, related activities and indicators, through a detailed weekly timetable of work, to a scale for rating attitudes and communication skills. The second half of the book takes on the difficult task of defining supervision as the art of guiding, instructing, and encouraging staff initiative. Chapters discus the merits and drawbacks of supervision according to autocratic, anarchic, and democratic styles and explore both the professional qualities and psychological attributes that make up the profile of an effective supervisor. Of particular practical value is a list of 42 specific tasks that define supervisory functions and can be used in either self-evaluation or the preparation of a job description. The book concludes with guidelines for organizing a four-day workshop for training in supervision.

eng fre por spa.

dar.

WHODOC

WHO monograph

4