What is clinical leadership? A journal-based meta-review

Citation

Howieson B & Thiagarajah T (2011) What is clinical leadership? A journal-based meta-review. International Journal of Clinical Leadership, 17 (1), pp. 7-18. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?partnerID=yv4JPVwI&eid=2-s2.0-79956137359&md5=14621d4781c297e2035921fca04f041f

Abstract
Clinical leadership has attracted significant headlines in recent times; areas in which it is hoped that leadership can make a difference or where sadly, it has been neglected or found wanting include healthcare reform, regulation, patient safety and patient care. Professor (Lord) Darzi has now placed clinical leadership at the centre of his NHS nextstage review, 'A High Quality Workforce'. This is all well and good; however, are clinicians clear what clinical leadership is, why it is relevant and important, and what are the key issues under debate? The aim of this article is to try and answer these three questions and in doing so, help clinicians and researchers comprehend further the meaning and complexity of clinical leadership. To achieve this aim, this article will introduce and offer a definition of leadership; review leadership in a healthcare context; conceptualise leadership at the strategic, operational and tactical levels; and, in detail, examine the key leadership messages, which were reported in the British Medical Journal during the period 2000- 2009. Finally, the article will suggest where next for the clinical leadership research.

Keywords
British Medical Journal; Clinical Leadership; Levels of Analysis

Journal
International Journal of Clinical Leadership: Volume 17, Issue 1

People

Professor Brian Howieson

Professor in Organisational Leadership, Management, Work and Organisation