Delivering Medical Leadership Training Through The Healthcare Leadership Academy: A Four Year Analysis

Abstract

Background Formal leadership training has typically been targeted at senior health professionals. The Healthcare Leadership Academy (HLA) was formed in 2016 to provide a leadership programme for students and early-career health professionals. This study analyses the effectiveness of the HLA scholarship programme as an intervention for improving interest in, and preparing scholars for, future leadership roles. Methods A mixed methods study using responses from a survey developed to collect data on the effectiveness of the HLA Scholarship program in cultivating leadership development. Questions required either multiple-choice, free-text, ranking or Likert scale (‘strongly agree’, ‘agree’, ‘neither agree nor disagree’, ‘disagree’, ‘strongly disagree) responses. Descriptive statistical analyses and qualitative data coding, management, and analysis were conducted. Results 70 participants who underwent the course between 2016 and 2020 completed the questionnaire. Nearly all (99%) found that the training provided on the programme had equipped them to be more effective leaders, with 86% of respondents stating that they were more likely to take on leadership roles. Nearly all (97.1%) found the course to be either of good or very good quality. Seven themes were identified from free text responses. They were “improved self-awareness by scholars”, “expectations of the organisation”, “guidance to future careers”, “broadening horizons”, “network development”, and a description of the scholars programme as an “enjoyable and accessible course”. Conclusions Healthcare leadership is a non-negotiable component of healthcare delivery in the 21st Century. As healthcare professionals, it is our duty to be effective leaders confident and competent in navigating the increasingly-complex systems within which we operate for the benefit of ourselves, colleagues, and patients. By accounting for known shortcomings and developing ameliorative measures, the HLA Scholarship programme addresses unmet needs in a structured manner to support effective long-term healthcare leadership development.