Optimising registrar research supervision: Quality, conflict management and best practices

Abstract

Completing a Master of Medicine (MMed) research assignment involves both financial and time commitments. In addition, it requires considerable collaboration among supervisors, registrars, research coordinators, assistants, nurses, and patients. Substantial professional effort is necessary for developing the research concept, reviewing relevant literature, formulating a research question, and designing an appropriate methodology. From this perspective, we reflect on a clinical research supervision workshop that focuses on establishing robust supervision and conflict management practices. The workshop aimed to enhance supervision capacity for MMed research, guiding students in scientific rigour and methodology. By addressing this need, we hope to improve research quality across South African faculties and develop a new generation of skilled clinician-researchers. Clinicians as supervisors, play a pivotal role in guiding students through their academic and professional journeys. Best practices include fostering open communication, setting clear expectations, and providing consistent feedback. Institutional support is crucial, offering resources and training to enhance supervisory skills.