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Clinical leadership style and hand hygiene compliance

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 21:40 authored by Stevens, SC, Lynette HemmingsLynette Hemmings, Scott, C, Anthony LawlerAnthony Lawler, White, C

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate to what extent an engaging or authentic leadership style is related to higher levels of patient safety performance.

Design/methodology/approach: A survey and/or interview of 53 medical and dental staff on their perceptions of leadership style in their unit was conducted. Scores obtained from 51 responses were averaged for each question and overall performance was compared with unit specific hand hygiene (HH) compliance data. Interview material was transcribed and analysed independently by each member of the research team.

Findings: A modest negative relationship between this leadership style and hand hygiene compliance rates (r = 0.37) was found. Interview data revealed that environmental factors, role modelling by the leader and education to counter false beliefs about hand hygiene and infection control may be more important determinants of patient safety performance in this regard than actual overall leadership style.

Research limitations/implications: The sample was relatively small, other attributes of leaders were not investigated.

Practical implications: Leadership development for clinicians may need to focus on situational or adaptive capacity rather than a specific style. In the case of improving patient safety through increasing HH compliance, a more directive approach with clear statements backed up by role modelling appears likely to produce better rates.

Originality/value: Little is known about patient safety and clinical leadership. Much of the current focus is on developing transformational, authentic or engaging style. This study provides some evidence that it should not be used exclusively.

History

Publication title

Leadership in Health Services

Volume

27

Pagination

20-30

ISSN

1751-1879

Department/School

Tasmanian School of Medicine

Publisher

Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Rights statement

Copyright 2014 Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Evaluation of health and support services not elsewhere classified

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