The article, “Clinical leadership style and hand hygiene compliance”, is an evidence based study that was conducted to determine to the relationship between leadership styles and patient safety performance. This study was conducted with the use of interviews and/or survey of the participants in the healthcare facility about their impression of the leadership style in their unit. After transcription of the data collected by members of the research team, it was found that there was a negative relationship between the patient safety performance and the leadership style in this particular facility. Information gathered showed that the actual leadership style in this case was less important than education on patient safety and actual modelling of the expected behavior. The implication of this study is that leadership styles need not be entirely specific but rather, leaders should be able to adapt their styles in every different situation. The authors suggest that “a more directive approach with clear statements backed up by role modelling appears likely to produce better rates” (Stevens, Hemmings, Scott, Lawler, & White, 2014). It is however, important to note that the study is of a relatively small sample size. According to the authors, there is evidence in the article that shows no particular leadership should be used alone.
With my capstone beginning this week, it is very imperative that one is able to recognize different leadership styles and know how to adapt to each of them. Knowing the leadership style of one’s preceptor and having the ability to adapt to this style will prove useful in a clinical setting. It is also important to know that the type of leadership where the staff feel that they have a safe environment to admit their mistakes and determine solutions to problems is very closely related to the leadership style that is more successful in yielding better performance (Stevens, et al., 2014). This indicates that the leadership style is very important because not only will there be more positive outcomes in the hospital, there will also be a reduction in the number of grievances from the staff. According to the article, “‘[s]trong leadership’ has been suggested as a way to address the problem of low compliance among medical staff” (Stevens, et al., 2014). A strong leader is one that is able to adapt and approaches difficult situations as a learning opportunity, solicits feedback from all members of the team to ensure that everyone has a