Leadership Link: Evaluation of an Online Leadership Curriculum for Certified Midwives and Certified Nurse‐Midwives

Abstract

IntroductionMidwifery leadership is vital for improving maternal health outcomes, yet limited leadership training opportunities exist. This study evaluated acceptability and preliminary outcomes of Leadership Link, a scalable online learning program that aims to increase midwives’ leadership competencies.MethodsThe program evaluation study enrolled early‐career midwives (<10 years since certification) into an online leadership curriculum using the LinkedIn Learning platform. The curriculum consisted of 10 courses (approximately 11 hours) of self‐paced, non‐health care‐specific leadership content supplemented with brief midwifery‐specific introductions from midwifery leaders. A preprogram, postprogram, and follow‐up study design was used to evaluate changes in 16 self‐assessed leadership abilities, self‐perception as a leader, and resilience. Data were also collected on the application of leadership skills acquired through, and career advancements attributed to, program participation.ResultsA total of 186 individuals activated LinkedIn Learning accounts. Almost half (41.9%) completed the full curriculum. Satisfaction was high, with 83.3% of postprogram survey respondents reporting the program was “probably” or “definitely” worth the time invested. Seventy‐six participants (40.9%) provided matched pre‐ and immediate postprogram survey data on at least some of the 16 self‐assessed leadership abilities. All 16 abilities showed statistically significant increases in pre‐ to postprogram mean scores, ranging from 6.4% to 32.5%. Both self‐perception as a leader and resilience scores significantly increased from baseline. More than 87% of postprogram and follow‐up survey respondents reported having applied new or improved leadership abilities to at least a small degree. Fifty‐eight percent of follow‐up survey respondents reported at least one midwifery career advancement, of whom 43.6% attributed the advancement, at least in part, to Leadership Link.DiscussionThe findings suggest that the online Leadership Link curriculum is acceptable and may be effective in improving midwives’ leadership capacity, potentially enhancing career opportunities and engagement in system change.