Health professionals' perceptions of clinical leadership: A pilot study

Title
Health professionals' perceptions of clinical leadership: A pilot study
Publication Date
2017
Author(s)
Stanley, David
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7767-5442
Email: dstanle5@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:dstanle5
Blanchard, Denise
Hohol, Amali
Hutton, Marani
McDonald, Anna
Albert, Lee
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Cogent OA
Place of publication
United Kingdom
DOI
10.1080/2331205x.2017.1321193
UNE publication id
une:22015
Abstract
Aim: To identify how clinical leadership was perceived by Health Professionals (HPs) (excluding nurses and doctors) and to understand how effective clinical leadership relates to initiating and establishing a culture of change and progression in the health services. Methodology: This pilot study used a mixed methods approach, although quantitative methodological principles dominated. An on-line (SurveyMonkey) questionnaire was distributed via email links to HPs throughout the Western Australian Department of Health. Qualitative data was analysed by Statistical Product and Service Solutions (Version 21). Results: A total of 307 complete surveys were returned. Participants represented 6.1% of the total WA HP workforce and a wide range of HP disciplines. The majority of respondents were female (86.5%), the median age was 38.9 years and the majority of respondents worked in acute hospital environments (59.9%) and in a metropolitan location (73.7%). Most participants (79.2%) saw themselves or were reportedly seen by others (76.2%) as clinical leaders. The main attributes associated with clinical leadership were; effective communicator, clinical competence, approachability, role model and supportive. The main attribute identified least with clinical leadership was 'controlling'. Only 22.2% saw clinical leaders as managers, while the majority saw a clinical focus as important (85.3%). Clinical leaders were perceived as having an impact on how clinical care is delivered, staff support and leading change and service improvement. Many respondents (81.4%) suggested barriers hindered their effectiveness as clinical leaders. Conclusions: Improvements in clinical care and changes in practice can be initiated by clinical leaders.
Link
Citation
Cogent Medicine, 4(1), p. 1-15
ISSN
2331-205X
Start page
1
End page
15

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