Journal des soins infirmiers et des soins

The Impact of Nursing Leadership Training on Evidence-Based Leadership and Practice

Abstract

Tarja Kvist, Katja Tähkä, Miia Ruotsalainen and Tarja Tervo-Heikkinen

Aim: To assess the impact of leadership training on nurse leaders’ perceptions of evidence-based leadership (EBL) and practice (EBP). Background: Nurse leaders are the key persons for promoting EBP. They have to use evidence skillfully both in practice and leadership. Methods: 47 nurse leaders participated in EBL training (2010 – 2011) for the “At Safe” project. Data were collected from 42 leaders before the training and 34 after. The questionnaires were developed as part of the project. The data were analyzed using frequency analysis. Results: Before the training most of the nurse leaders had the positive perceptions of using research knowledge to develop the practice and leadership. The training had helped nurse leaders to understand that decisions can be justified with research knowledge, which strengthened the leaders’ responsibility to develop EBP, EBL and their work unit. Most of the nurse leaders seldom brought research publications for their staff to read or discussed findings with them. Conclusions: Nurse leaders have a positive attitude to EBP and EBL but they need to more promote it to their staff and use it for their own leadership. The EBL courses might highlight the importance of using evidence in leadership, but changing their leadership style needs time and willingness. The nurse leaders should become aware of the importance of EBL and EBP. There is an urgent need for training and new innovations to support EBL.