This report is a review of British research studies since 1967 relating to the role of the ward sisters in general hospitals. It is the result of a 21 month study sponsored by the DHSS. Part 1 describes the terms of reference, the area reviewed, the project's development and discusses the foci, methods and findings of the literature reviewed. Part 2 is devoted to summaries of the studies reviewed. It includes official reports and detailed research reports as well as research studies reported in the nursing journals. Part 3 is an extensive bibliography of the studies reviewed, references and abstracts of research studies identified but not reviewed and a list of relevant non-research studies.