The implementation and outcomes of self‐managing teams in elderly care: A scoping review

AIM: We aim to map the existing evidence and gaps in research on the implementation and outcomes of self‐managing elderly care teams. BACKGROUND: Due to increasing demand for elderly nursing care and an ageing workforce, recruiting and retaining community nurses have become challenging. Implementing self‐managing teams may be a solution to address this problem. EVALUATION: This scoping review included 27 studies, varying from narrative reviews to a quantitative cross‐sectional study. The studies' primary focus on self‐managing teams was essential for eligibility. KEY ISSUES: Nurses' job satisfaction was high in self‐managing teams due to improved relationships with patients and increased autonomy. Continuity of care and patient acceptability were high. Transformation of managers to coaches in a team with a flat hierarchy is needed to empower nurses with responsibility for their own work. Trust and teamwork should be assisted by suitable ICT support systems. CONCLUSIONS: International interest in self‐managing teams is large, but quantitative research is limited and guidelines for implementation are needed. Recommendations for potential successful implementation were made. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nurse autonomy and job satisfaction can increase by implementing self‐managing teams. This requires a change in management styles, from managing to coaching nurses.