Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42425567›Full record

ArticleBMJ open2026

Nursing managers' experiences of delegation strategies and practices: a qualitative content analysis in Tehran, Iran.

Tahereh Gilvari, Masoud Fallahi-Khoshknab, Hamidreza Khankeh, Abbas Ebadi, Mohammadali Hosseini

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Article in BMJ open, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Tahereh GilvariStudent Research Committee, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Tehran, Iran (the Islamic Republic of).ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8020-1085
Masoud Fallahi-KhoshknabDepartment of Nursing, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran fallahi@uswr.ac.ir.
Hamidreza KhankehQUEST Center for Responsible Research, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Berlin, Germany.
Abbas EbadiNursing Care Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (the Islamic Republic of).
Mohammadali HosseiniDepartment of Nursing, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveDelegation is a key nursing management skill that enhances staff empowerment, team performance and quality of care. In complex healthcare environments, effective delegation requires structured managerial strategies that balance responsibility with staff empowerment. This study aimed to explore nursing managers' experiences of delegation strategies and practices in clinical settings.

designA qualitative study using a conventional content analysis approach. Data were collected between 2024 and 2025 through semistructured, in-depth interviews and analysed concurrently using an inductive content analysis process, allowing iterative refinement of emerging categories.

settingThe study was conducted in selected hospitals in Tehran, Iran.

participantsEleven nursing managers were recruited through purposive sampling and sampling continued until data saturation was achieved.

resultsAfter analysing the data, three main categories and seven subcategories emerged. The first category, formalisation and executive framework, included (a) formal communication and introductions in meetings, (b) clarification of task descriptions and delegation objectives and (c) delineation of boundaries and non-delegable authorities. The second category, continuous mentoring and support, encompassed (a) gradual training to consolidate learning and (b) active guidance and advocacy. The third category, supervision and evaluation of the delegation process, comprised (a) performance monitoring to ensure accountability and (b) benchmarking outcomes against established standards and indicators.

conclusionsDelegation allows nursing managers to focus on strategic duties while empowering nurses to participate actively and improve care quality. In challenging clinical settings with workforce shortages, strengthened managerial training and supportive organisational policies are essential. Future research should explore individual, cultural and organisational factors that influence delegation.

Indexed as

Nurse AdministratorsAttitude of Health PersonnelHumansIranLeadershipQualitative ResearchHealthNursing researchQUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Identifiers

PMID42425567
PMCPMC13358227

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