This book will clearly define and explain delegation as a concept in healthcare practice, equipping readers to successfully deliver, manage, and lead increasingly complex patient care.
Delegation is a core healthcare activity where healthcare practitioners supervise and support other members of the multidisciplinary team to deliver patient care. It is a core leadership skill that involves risk assessment and management, impacts patient satisfaction and quality of care, and has a substantial financial impact if undertaken incorrectly. This text introduces the topic, addressing issues around accountability and responsibility in clinical practice, along with an analysis of barriers and enablers to delegation. It discusses delegation governance with links to models, tools, and legislation. Delegation safety is explored through the physiotherapist lens, and the importance of collaboration when delegating in multidisciplinary teams within the prison setting. Delegation from an international perspective and sources of support and supervision are considered. It ends with a discussion of advanced nursing practice and delegation.
This guide supports all health professionals, employers, and organisations to master the essential skill of delegation.