Outcomes of modern matron implementation: Trust nursing directors’ perceptions and case study findings

SummaryObjectivesTo examine one aspect of a larger study evaluating the modern matron role, comparing trust nursing directors’ perceived outcomes of introducing matrons to the NHS with actual evidence of such outcomes gathered in ten subsequent case studies.Design, methods and outcomesIn a national survey, nursing directors stated their perceived outcomes arising from introduction of matrons; these outcomes were compared with case study findings.Participants and settings:SurveyQuestionnaire to Directors of Nursing in all 545 NHS trusts in England in 2003.Case StudiesTen NHS trusts purposively selected to include different types in varied settings. Data collection involved interviews and questionnaires to matrons, other relevant staff and some patients, and use of routinely collected data.ResultsSixty percent of 414 survey respondents reported positive outcomes such as improvements in staff management, leadership, patient environment and standards of care, whereas only 36% reported negative outcomes such as role ambiguity and role overload for matrons. Most of the reported positive outcomes were recognised in subsequent case studies.ConclusionsPositive outcomes attributed by directors of nursing to matron appointments appeared to outweigh negative outcomes. There was evidence of these positive outcomes in subsequent case studies.