Aim(s) - To examine the evidence of how poorly performing nurses and midwives are managed in the UK NHS Background – There is little evidence about poor performance and its management in nursing and midwifery literature. Method(s) – The scoping study comprised a literature search, analysis of recent Nursing and Midwifery Council data and a day’s observation at NMC fitness to practice hearings. Results – Nurses and midwives are the clinical groups most likely to be suspended from work in the NHS; NHS Trusts do not report data on suspensions therefore no statistics exist on numbers, reasons for suspensions, managerial processes, gender, area of work, or ethnicity of those suspended; the few major research projects identify variable management practices regarding poor performance, the significant financial cost to the NHS and the personal cost to those suspended; there is some evidence that inexperienced, poorly trained, or poorly supported managers use suspension inappropriately. Our day of observation supported this.\udConclusion(s) – There is a need for more robust data gathering and research in the field of NHS managerial practice.\udImplications for Nursing Management – Managers should refrain from adopting punitive forms of performance management. Both frontline staff and management need better training and support for dealing with poor performance.
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