Leadership through action learning: a bottom-up approach to ‘best practice’ in ‘infection prevention and control’ in a UK NHS trust

Kellie, Jean; Milsom, Brian; Henderson, Eileen

Abstract

This article reports on the outcomes of an action learning leadership intervention in a National Health Service (NHS) acute trust in partnership with a UK business school. This contribution provides an empirical example of the potential benefits of non-hierarchical leadership. Over a three-year period, 45 nurses took part in an initiative designed to reduce the number of health care associated infections (HCAI) in a large NHS acute trust. By 2010, serious reportable infections were reduced by around 300, providing an efficiency benefit in the region of £3 million and improved patient safety. The turnaround is significant, and although not exclusively attributable to this initiative, the trust is convinced that the intervention has been pivotal. © 2012 Copyright CIPFA.

Citation

Kellie, J., Milsom, B., & Henderson, E. (2012). Leadership through action learning: a bottom-up approach to ‘best practice’ in ‘infection prevention and control’ in a UK NHS trust. Public money & management, 32(4), 289-296. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540962.2012.691308

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 1, 2012
• Online Publication Date: May 14, 2012
• Publication Date: May 14, 2012
• Journal: PUBLIC MONEY & MANAGEMENT
• Print ISSN: 0954-0962
• Electronic ISSN: 1467-9302
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 32
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 289-296
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09540962.2012.691308
• Keywords: Action learning; infection prevention and control; leadership; service improvement
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/428967