Publication date: Jul 01, 2026
This review synthesizes literature on elements of professional governance structures that support effective nurse-led decision-making and sustained engagement. Professional governance has been demonstrated to enhance nursing engagement and improve patient outcomes. However, it remains unclear which elements of governance structures are most effective in a complex post-COVID-19 healthcare environment. A systematic search and critical appraisal were conducted to identify relevant literature. Data were extracted and analyzed to identify key themes. Eight articles met the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis revealed 4 key elements influencing nurse-led decision-making and engagement: council structure, leadership engagement, clinical nurse accessibility, and education and training. Several barriers to engagement were also noted. Effective professional governance structures are crucial for fostering nurse-led decision-making and engagement. Future research should focus on empirical evaluations of professional governance structures and protocols to guide best practices in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.
| Concepts | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Covid | Clinical Governance |
| Education | COVID-19 |
| Future | Decision Making |
| Nursing | Humans |
| Professional | Leadership |
| Nurse’s Role |
Semantics
| Type | Source | Name |
|---|---|---|
| disease | MESH | COVID-19 |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Methionine |