The seventh and final article in the series on Leading Better Care explores some of the challenges in clinical practice relating to the use of data and making information meaningful to senior charge nurses and ward sisters. It describes the collaborative approach taken by NHS Lanarkshire, which involved nursing staff, programme leads and the eHealth team in the development of a general ward nursing dashboard as a means of ensuring safe, effective person-centred care. The article also illustrates how this web-based data-reporting programme is used to support clinical practice.

This article is the fourth in a series of seven articles relating to the implementation of Leading Better Care (LBC). It describes two projects that were undertaken concurrently within NHS Lanarkshire to support senior charge nurses to work effectively within the role framework of LBC, with enhanced supervisory status. The article discusses the background and aims of the projects, their findings and the resulting action taken by NHS Lanarkshire.

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Clinical nurse leadership is essential for the provision of high quality patient care. Recent research has highlighted the need for all Senior Charge Nurses (SCNs) to be equipped to deliver effective ward management, staff development and ultimately a positive patient experience. The provision of 'supervisory hours' is a vital component of an SCN role, enabling the effective leadership of their teams. This paper describes the increased supervisory role implemented by the Leading Better Care program within one Health Board area of Scotland. Mixed methods research (online survey n=52 and in-depth qualitative interviews n=12) explored the experiences of SCNs using their increased supervisory time and its perceived impact on clinical practice. Findings demonstrate that increased supervisory time positively impacted several key areas of clinical practice. Although the increased supervisory role empowered SCNs and promoted their professional development, they require greater role clarity, managerial support and leadership development to reduce role stress and promote future career aspirations.

Clinical nurse leadership is essential for the provision of high quality patient care. Recent research has highlighted the need for all Senior Charge Nurses (SCNs) to be equipped to deliver effective ward management, staff development and ultimately a positive patient experience. The provision of 'supervisory hours' is a vital component of an SCN role, enabling the effective leadership of their teams. This paper describes the increased supervisory role implemented by the Leading Better Care program within one Health Board area of Scotland. Mixed methods research (online survey n=52 and in-depth qualitative interviews n=12) explored the experiences of SCNs using their increased supervisory time and its perceived impact on clinical practice. Findings demonstrate that increased supervisory time positively impacted several key areas of clinical practice. Although the increased supervisory role empowered SCNs and promoted their professional development, they require greater role clarity, managerial support and leadership development to reduce role stress and promote future career aspirations.