Effective nursing leadership of older persons in the community - A systematic review

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to increase the knowledge of developing effective nursing leadership and management in order to improve the outcomes of older persons in the community. Background: There is a need for increased knowledge of nursing leadership and management in order to improve the outcomes of older persons in the community. Evaluation: A review of the literature published in different databases between January 2000 and May 2012 was conducted. Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated by means of thematic content analysis. Key aspects: Six themes were identified: Ability to change the attitudes towards older persons; Building trust; Ensuring efficacy in management decisions; Lack of knowledge about how to overcome relational challenges; Health system collaboration to achieve goals and visions; and Staff members' experiences of the meaning of and possibility to influence their work, all of which are of importance for effective nursing leadership and management in the care of older persons. Conclusion: Advanced nursing knowledge is necessary in order to improve the work and vision involved in nursing leadership and management. Implications for nursing management: Findings indicate that relational and organisational abilities are necessary components of effective nursing leadership and management. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.