Impact of an educational intervention on emotional intelligence and leadership models of primary health care nurses

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Emotional intelligence has been associated with both leadership performance and effectiveness, and proper stress management, job satisfaction, burnout prevention, a good working climate and positive forms of conflict.

Aim: The purpose of this doctoral study was to investigate, evaluate and compare the emotional intelligence level of primary care nurses and leadership models after educational intervention or not, and on the other hand the correlation between emotional intelligence and leadership models applied by nursing leadership.

Material - Methods: This research is a longitudinal study, of two time phases, using an anonymous questionnaire in nurses working in Primary Health Care structures in Greece. The sample, according to the research design, contains the control group and the intervention group.

Results: In order to be effective, individuals practicing nursing leadership should possess the necessary leadership skills and interpersonal skills. The results of the survey will help nurses and supervisors understand the importance and value of emotional intelligence, which is directly linked to the way leadership is exercised in the field of nursing and subsequently to the better organization of the health system and specifically of the Primary Health Care, with the ultimate goal of improving the health services provided.

Conclusions: It is important that nursing leadership is exercised by people with high emotional intelligence, taking into account that it has a direct impact on the quality of patient care and therefore, can actively and substantially lead to changes or improvements in healthcare.

Keywords: emotional intelligence, Empathy, leadership, management, Primary Health Care