The relationship between nurse manager's transformational leadership style and medication safety

Abstract

Aim To describe medication safety, transformational leadership and their relationship as evaluated by Registered Nurses. Background Medication safety is one of the aspects of patient safety and an important part of nurses' daily practices. Nurse managers can ensure medication safety by adopting a transformational leadership style. However, little evidence exists regarding how transformational leadership relates to medication safety. Methods Data were collected from Registered Nurses (n = 161) in three Finnish hospitals in May 2016 using an electronic questionnaire incorporating the Transformational Leadership Scale (TLS) and Medication Safety Scale (MSS). Data were analysed using statistical analyses including descriptive analyses, principal component analysis and multivariate analyses. STROBE reporting guidelines were followed (see Appendix ). Findings Nurses evaluated medication safety and transformational leadership in their units to be excellent and good, respectively. There was a moderate but statistically significant correlation between transformational leadership and medication safety. The medication competence of nurses and the management of nursing processes were significantly related to medication safety. Conclusions Nurse managers' transformational leadership style can promote medication safety in units. The medication competence of nurses must be addressed because assurance and confidence in their own expertise in pharmacotherapeutic tasks positively affects their perceptions of medication safety.

Exploring mediating effects between nursing leadership and patient safety from a person‐centred perspective: A literature review

“…In the Lappalainen et al. (2019) study, nurse managers promoted medication safety in the unit through implementation of the nursing process. In comparison, Kim et al.…”

“…This result is also supported by the recommendation from the IOM ( 2004) that they encourage strong leadership, the work environment and a safety culture to be focused on patient safety outcomes. Two studies (Kim et al, 2020;Lappalainen et al, 2019) investigate the mediating role of the nursing process and the safety system in the care environment between nursing leadership and medication safety. In the Lappalainen et al (2019) study, nurse managers promoted medication safety in the unit through implementation of the nursing process.…”

“…Two studies (Kim et al, 2020;Lappalainen et al, 2019) investigate the mediating role of the nursing process and the safety system in the care environment between nursing leadership and medication safety. In the Lappalainen et al (2019) study, nurse managers promoted medication safety in the unit through implementation of the nursing process. In comparison, Kim et al (2020) found that nursing leadership enhances the perceived benefits of safety with the medication system in use, which then contributes to a positive medication-error management climate.…”

Nursing leadership styles and their impact on intensive care unit quality measures: An integrative review

“…Nonetheless, this review showed that trusted leadership and medication errors in ICU are positively correlated (Vogus & Sutcliffe, 2007). This can be attributed to the role leaders play in organising and promoting a supportive environment in nursing units (Lappalainen, Härkänen, & Kvist, 2019). In particular, nurses are more likely to comply with safety precautions and behaviours if they trust their leaders.…”

Perceived Leadership Styles, Outcomes of Leadership, and Self-Efficacy Among Nurse Leaders:

“…4 Inspired by James McGregor Burns’ theory of transformational leadership, 5 the American Nurses Association, the premier organization for nursing professionals, describes transformational leaders with having the ability to communicate effectively, inspire others, have enthusiasm, support positive change, and lead others in pursuit of shared goals. 6 , 7 In a systematic review conducted by Wong et al., 8 transformational nurse leadership was found to have resulted in staff work engagement, 9 nurses’ reluctance to quit, 10 medication safety, 11 , 12 , 13 workplace safety climate, 14 quality of care, 10 and decreases in inpatient falls, hospital infections, and patient mortality. 12 , 13 Additionally, self-efficacy, defined as the belief in one’s ability to accomplish specific tasks, has been found to mediate the relationship between transformational nurse leadership and staff engagement.…”