The need for good clinical leadership has never been more important. With the major shifts in the UK health and social care policy agendas, clinical leaders will be working on policy development, implementation and evaluation. Clinical leadership relates to policy drivers, and to the less well-defined aspects of service and role developments that enhance patient care. This article explores the concept of clinical leadership in primary care.

The definition of clinical leadership is wide-ranging and in this article the focus is on the improvement of patient care, which involves safe, efficient, effective and person-centred care.

The development of the skills and attributes of clinical leadership is essential to the continued enhancement of primary care practice. This article points to relevant resources and asks you to reflect on your own leadership in clinical practice, so that you can consider the aspects that you may wish to develop.