Evidence-Based Leadership in Nursing: An Evolutionary Concept Analysis

Abstract

<p><strong>Aim</strong> To conduct a concept analysis of evidence-based leadership in a nursing context.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong> Rodgers' evolutionary method was employed to identify attributes, antecedents, consequences, definitions and surrogate and related terms.</p><p><strong>Data Source</strong> We systematically searched three databases (PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Scopus) for relevant publications. The databases were searched from their inception to 4 February 2024.</p><p><strong>Results</strong> We included 12 papers published between 2005 and 2022. The attributes include leadership attributes (personality, developing common goals and visions and influencing others) and evidence-based attributes (valuing evidence-based practice, integrating evidence and adapting evidence). The antecedents include individual internal factors (commitment to growth and proficiency in implementation science) and individual external factors (growing need for evidence-based practice, training support and available resources), while the consequences are personal growth, organisational benefit and disciplinary development. Based on the concept analysis, evidence-based leadership can be defined as a process whereby individuals, based on their personality and values towards evidence-based practices, integrate the best evidence into practice, adapt the evidence integration process based on evaluations and influence others towards achieving a common goal and vision.<br></p><p><strong>Conclusions </strong>This concept analysis enhances our understanding of evidence-based leadership, guiding nurses to integrate evidence into their leadership practices to achieve specific goals and visions within the healthcare context. Future studies could consider developing instruments to evaluate evidence-based leadership based on this refined concept, ultimately promoting nurses' leadership competencies in real-world settings.</p><p><strong>Implication for Nursing Practice</strong>This concept analysis not only raises awareness of the responsibilities of nurses as healthcare professionals, including the provision of evidence-based practice, but also facilitates their effective execution of these responsibilities. Empowering nurses to actively incorporate evidence into their leadership practices can further enhance the quality of healthcare delivery.</p><p><strong>Reporting Method </strong>Not applicable.</p><p><strong>Patient or Public Contribution </strong>Not applicable.</p>