Working better together: joint leadership development for doctors and managers

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Medical Education
• Leadership Studies

Background:

• Historically, healthcare professionals and managers have experienced inter-professional tensions and stereotypes.
• Junior doctors often lack management experience and exposure before assuming leadership roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To cultivate positive attitudes and understanding between junior doctors and managers.
• To break down inter-professional barriers within healthcare settings.
• To provide practical leadership experience and education for healthcare professionals.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of an innovative Paired Learning scheme at Birmingham Children's Hospital.
• Recruitment of 60 managers and doctors for shadowing and quality improvement projects.
• Utilisation of online materials, blogs, social events, and monthly workshops focused on leadership themes.

Main Results:

• Formal evaluation indicated improved participant perception of knowledge and ability in NHS Leadership Framework competencies.
• Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with plans to integrate Paired Learning into continuing professional development.
• The program successfully fostered collaboration and broke down inter-professional barriers.

Conclusions:

• The Paired Learning scheme effectively enhances leadership skills and inter-professional collaboration among healthcare professionals.
• The program is being embedded into the educational structure at Birmingham Children's Hospital and considered for wider national implementation.
• This initiative demonstrates a successful model for bridging the gap between clinical practice and management.