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

Summary Objectives To 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 outcomes In 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: Survey Questionnaire to Directors of Nursing in all 545 NHS trusts in England in 2003. Case Studies Ten 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. Results Sixty 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. Conclusions Positive 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.