Developing State Leadership in Maternal and Child Health: Process Evaluation Findings from a Work-Based Learning Model for Leadership Development

Abstract

Objectives Since 2013 the MCH Bureau has supported the National MCH Workforce Development Center to strengthen the Title V MCH workforce. This article describes the Center’s Cohort Program and lessons learned about work-based learning, instruction, and coaching. Description The Cohort Program is a leadership development program that enrolls state-level teams for skill development and work-based learning to address a self-identified challenge in their state. Teams attend a Learning Institute that teaches concepts, skills, and practical tools in systems integration; change management and adaptive leadership; and evidence-based decision-making and implementation. Teams then work back home on their challenges, aided by coaching. The Program’s goals are for teams to expand and use their skills to address their challenge, and that teams would strengthen programs, organizations, and policies, use their skills to address other challenges, and ultimately improve MCH outcomes. Methods This process evaluation is based on evaluation forms completed by attendees at the three-day Learning Institute; six-month follow-up interviews with team leaders; and a modified focus group with staff. Results Participants and staff believe the Cohort Program effectively merges a practical skill-based curriculum, work-based learning in teams, and coaching. The Learning Institute provides a foundation of skills and tools, strengthens the team’s relationship with their coach, and builds the team. The work-based learning period provides structure, accountability, and a “practice space” for teams to apply the Cohort Program’s skills and tools to address their challenge. In this period, teams deepen collaborations and often add partners. The coach provides accessible and tailored guidance in teamwork and skill application. These dimensions helped teams in develop skills and address state-level MCH challenges. Conclusions for Practice Continuing professional development programs can help leaders learn to address complex state-level MCH challenges through integrated classroom-based skills development, work-based learning on state challenges, and tailored coaching.

The Role of Leadership in Sub-Saharan Africa in Promoting Maternal and Child Health

“…This chapter builds on a modified framework from policy interventions facilitating demographic dividend (see Figure 5) [59]. There have been several attempts to address the linkages between leadership and MCH; however, they have mainly focused on "lower levels" targeting professionals and cadres in health workforce [60][61][62][63][64]. Most studies have focused on capacity-building, development of skills to better serve more deprived segments of the population, and accountability.…”

La investigación como instrumento de formación profesional médica

“…En los programas del post grado, aparte de la enseñanza formal de la metodología de la investigación, en diversas modalidades, los alumnos deben efectuar un trabajo de investigación, como requisito para su titulación (segunda especialización) o su graduación (doctorado, maestría) [17][18][19][20] . El conocimiento y utilización del método científico desarrolla actitudes, aptitudes, habilidades y competencias en los estudiantes de pre y post grado, indispensables para la obtención de una preparación profesional que permita cumplir con el desempeño pleno de sus actividades, más allá de sus conocimientos [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] .…”