Abstract

Care quality is a major concern for healthcare settings. Because of its essential place in hospital management, Nurse Manager (NM) is a critical link in the care system. This study aimed to analyse the role and leadership of the NM in the care quality improvement at the Charles de Gaulle Pediatric Teaching Hospital (CHUP-CDG). This was a qualitative and descriptive study. Ten NMs from clinical services selected on a reasoned sampling basis participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Non-participant observations and a documentary review were carried out. Data collection was conducted from August 1st to 31st, 2017 at the CHUP-CDG. A thematic analysis based on the professional practice framework (PPF) of Oldland et al. performed. The NM’s role and leadership nurse covered three of the seven healthcare quality domains of the PPF, namely: (1) Promotion of safety; (2) Positive interpersonal behaviours; (3) Clinical leadership and governance. Four healthcare quality domains are not covered: Management of the environment, evidence-based practice, medical/technical competence, and person-centred care. The NMs of clinical services hold a special place at the CHUP-CDG. Consequently, the success of quality care improvement depends on their involvement and commitment in all the domains of healthcare quality.

Key words: Nurse manager, role, leadership, care quality improvement, hospital, pediatric.