What is long arm supervision in Occupational Therapy?

This is where occupational therapists or OT students receive supervision from a therapist who is not in the same physical location as they are. Often delivered in the online space, such as over Zoom or Teams, or via telephone. It can also include some support via email and sharing online drives. It is also often referred to as external supervision or online supervision. It is supported as a method of delivery by both the RCOT and HCPC. 

Is long arm supervision just for students?

No. Although it has become more commonplace in pre-registration training programs for allied health care professionals to offer a long-arm placement. 

Long arm supervision is also very appropriate for qualified therapy staff. In Occupational Therapy, it is used by therapists working in NHS Trusts or Local Authorities, where the geographical area is large and limits how frequently staff can meet in person. For external OT supervision, which is used for those employed as the only occupational therapist in an organisation, or those in independent practice, and in diverse settings.

Is there a model for long arm supervision in Occupational Therapy?

Yes. The Long Arm Model of Occupational Therapy Supervision is available here. I created this model as part of my postgraduate training in clinical supervision in 2023.

This model recognises the complexity of occupational therapy supervision and the need to support both students and therapists working in environments with little or no OT support on-site. 

The model has grown from influences in both occupational therapy and supervision theory.  Placing the relationship between the supervisee and supervisor as the key component to build effective long arm supervision that surrounds the supervision process. Allowing supervision to be person-centred, yet recognising the organisational context that the student or therapist is working within. 

Areas covered by the long arm model of occupational therapy supervision include: 

Layer 1: External and Professional needs; Continuous professional development, CPD and growth, Organisational or business context. 

Layer 2: The core: The supervisee; Personal development needs, occupational balance and the OT process.

Layer 3: Delivery methods and the supervisor: Online external supervision, supervision process, skills and tools.

How do you build trust in long arm OT supervision?

The supervisory relationship is the key component of effective supervision. In long-arm or external supervision, this is established solely within supervision sessions. Unlike face-to-face supervision with an internal or organisation-based supervisor, whom you may see regularly, the external supervisor is generally known only through the supervision process. 

Long arm supervision often opens up more choices of supervisors, as you are not reliant on location. Allowing supervisees to choose the best fit and the expertise they are looking for in their external supervisor. 

Getting to know each other as supervisor and supervisee is an ongoing process; understanding each other’s learning and communication styles is a good way to begin creating a safe, trusted space. Taking time to check in at the start of each session helps build the human connection. Long arm supervisors need to have effective supervision skills and tools to support and nurture the supervisory relationship that builds over time. This is why supervisory skills are part of the long-arm model of occupational therapy supervision, and it is recommended that all supervisors and supervisees have access to supervision training.

Take Away

Long arm occupational therapy supervision gives you:

• A choice of OT supervisor
• It is delivered remotely via online platforms, phone and email support
• It is for students and qualified therapists
• Effective supervision is accessible from anywhere, not based on geographical locations 
• It is supported by the Long Arm Model of Occupational Therapy Supervision, download here.
• It requires skilled supervisors to facilitate it and create a trusted space for growth
• It is supported by the RCOT and HCPC as a method for delivering supervision

 If you want to know more about this model, or use it as part of your research study, please contact Lynsay directly to explore this via email Lynsay@OTsupervisor.com

Written by Lynsay McFarlane-Shaw, OT Supervisor / Independent Occupational Therapist