Individual-level outcomes from a national clinical leadership development programme

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Education
• Leadership Studies

Background:

• A national clinical leadership development programme was established for Irish nurses and midwives in 2010.
• The programme aimed to enhance leadership capabilities within the nursing and midwifery professions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the pilot phase of a national clinical leadership development programme for nurses and midwives.
• To assess the structure, process, and outcomes, including individual-level results, of the leadership programme.

Main Methods:

• The pilot programme was implemented at seven sites in late 2011.
• Evaluation data were collected via focus groups, group and individual interviews, and written submissions.
• The evaluation considered structural, process, and outcome elements of the programme.

Main Results:

• The programme provided evidence of clinical leadership development in nurses and midwives.
• Participants demonstrated enhanced leadership competencies through self and observer-reported changes in behaviors and dispositions.
• A key strength was the focus on specific leadership competencies within the practice context.

Conclusions:

• The national clinical leadership development programme effectively fostered clinical leadership skills among Irish nurses and midwives.
• The programme's structured approach and context-specific interventions were instrumental in developing leadership competencies.