| Learning Objective #1: describe factors relating to the development and implementation of an evidence based clinical leadership programme. | |||
| Learning Objective #2: describe the pro's and con's of the outcome measurement relating to the clinical leadership programme. |
Background
Clinical leadership has become a central policy for health reforms across the world. Improvement of care requires nurses with clinical leadership qualities. A clear leadership structure is expected to enhance the understanding of innovation. Factors such a centralisation of power and leadership at different organisational levels influence decisions on innovations in organisations. Reasons for the Netherlands Centre for Excellence in Nursing (LEVV) to develop and implement a programme including all these aspects.
Aim
Our study aimed to explore and describe factors relating to the development and implementation of an evidence based leadership programme focussing on transformational leadership. The 'Nightingale Programme' is a 11 month programme which aims to develop and implement transformational leadership behaviours in its participants focusing on: improving patient care, developing leadership skills among participants, improving team effectiveness and increasing networks.
Methods
A pilot study is performed in which 25 nurses, working in two general hospital settings in the Netherlands, are being trained. A descriptive study design is used collecting data at three different periods: at baseline, at the end of the programme and 4 months after implementation. Five different instruments measure: present leadership style, transformational leadership, job satisfaction, professional team performance and research mindedness.
Results
During the conference the process of the development and the results of the baseline measurement including the motivation for the selected instruments will be presented. A summary of the barriers and facilitators concerning the implementation of the leadership programme will be described with special attention towards culture and teameffectiveness.
Conclusions / discussion
The development and implementation of a leadership programme in a general hospital setting requires a lengthy and thoughtful process. Many factors have to be taken into consideration like culture dimensions, team climate, organisation culture and policy, conflicting programme goals and previous experiences with leadership programmes.
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See more of The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006)