title: Strengthening the role of the ward manager: a review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The role of the ward manager is integral to service delivery, however, they may lack the necessary authority and autonomy to achieve the organisation and delivery of patient care.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To identify initiatives that have strengthened the ward manager role.
  
  
  METHODS
  A review of published literature was undertaken. Data included were drawn from a variety of sources, including policy, professional literature and research studies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three policy initiatives were identified along with two innovations from ward managers and two recent professional organisation campaigns. One innovation was identified that could improve the process of care delivery thus empowering ward managers' decision making. The literature identified the need for a review of the role, and adequate administrative support and training for the role.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The literature reviewed provided little evidence of initiatives to strengthen the role of the ward manager, highlighting the imperative to develop an evidence base. There was consensus on the importance of education and training before and during appointment to the position.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The role of the ward manager remains pivotal in care delivery. The focus should be on how best to support ward managers in achieving their role within health-care systems.
authors.affiliation: King's College London, Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, London, UK.
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Pegram
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grainger
authors.forename: Janice
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sigsworth
authors.forename: Alison E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: While
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description / Q000592:standards*; D007857:Leadership; D009718:Nurse Administrators; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010362:Patients' Rooms
keywords: innovation; role; strengthen; ward managers