Collaboration amongst clinical nursing leadership teams: a mixed-methods sequential explanatory study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Leadership Studies
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• Effective interprofessional collaboration is vital for optimal patient outcomes.
• Understanding collaboration within nursing leadership teams is essential for healthcare effectiveness.
• Limited research exists on intra-professional collaboration among nursing leaders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate intra-professional collaboration within nursing leadership teams.
• To identify factors influencing collaboration among Nurse Unit Managers, Nurse Educators, and Clinical Nurse Consultants.
• To provide insights for enhancing collaborative practices in nursing leadership.

Main Methods:

• A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed.
• Quantitative data collected via the Collaborative Behaviour scale from 106 nursing leaders.
• Qualitative data from 15 participants in two focus groups, analyzed thematically.

Main Results:

• High levels of collaboration were observed between nursing leadership dyad groups.
• Thematic analysis revealed two key themes: professional role and expectations, and organizational infrastructure and governance.
• Sub-themes included role clarity, intra/interpersonal functioning, and organizational support.

Conclusions:

• Nursing leadership teams are powerful agents for healthcare change and improved patient outcomes.
• Promoting collaborative behaviors among nurse leaders is critical for organizational strategic planning and evaluation.
• Enhanced collaboration can lead to efficient resource utilization, better patient care, and improved nurse satisfaction and retention.