Abstract:

Background:
While all physicians should be able to demonstrate various leadership and manager skills, many are asked to take on such roles without relevant training.

Summary of work:
Needs assessment (literature review, interviews, online survey); program design, delivery, and evaluation. Interviews conducted with N=5 current physician leaders. An online survey was distributed to physicians, other health professionals, regional health authority, and university staff. There were N=423 respondents (n=215 physicians, n=208 non-physicians). An evaluation framework was developed and implemented utilizing a logic model approach to examine immediate and post-program outcomes. Module evaluation examined knowledge, confidence, and satisfaction; post-program (post-six months) evaluation examined use of leadership skills and application in the workplace.

Summary of results:
The needs assessment identified preferred topics, delivery formats, and features unique to physician leaders in NL. Ten modules were developed and delivered using a hybrid model consisting of in-person and online sessions between September 2012 and April 2013. Thirty-seven (N=37) participants; 81.1% were in leadership positions (70.0% for less than five years). Paired samples t-test analyses of pre/post data indicates significant increases in post-module knowledge and confidence at p<.05 probability level. Overall, 91.0% of participants agreed that the modules addressed their learning needs; 93% agreed the modules were relevant to their current positions. Six months’ post-program evaluation data collected from participants and stakeholders demonstrated improved performance and application of knowledge/skills obtained from the program in the workplace.

Conclusions:
Memorial University, the provincial government, and the regional health authorities are collaborating to design, develop, deliver and evaluate PMLP. The program serves as a key resource for physician leaders who have an interest in further developing their healthcare management and leadership abilities in this province. This program successfully addressed some of the educational needs of physician leaders in NL and the local context in which they lead and practice. Evaluation data shows significant increases in knowledge and confidence, satisfaction with the program, and impact on the workplace and subsequent healthcare delivery.