Leadership Competencies for Knowledge Translation in Public Health: A consensus study

In 2010, 240 billion US dollars was invested worldwide to conduct research for health; unfortunately, 200 billion was misused in the production and reporting of the evidence researched. Universities could facilitate students to acquire leadership competencies to move well-conducted research findings into practical use; this could be an essential move to reduce the misuse of investment.

A literature review was done based on the Equator Network and Cochrane guidelines, followed by three Delphi rounds to select competencies.

Eleven papers were analysed out of 1121 items and 39/78 identified competencies were prioritized to be presented in the Delphi. Four out of 12 participants accepted to be involved in this project, and 22 competencies reached consensus and stability after three rounds. This framework conceptualizes competencies as the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values. The competencies were framed in four domains: knowledge management, engage diverse others in public health initiatives, training and capacity building/change management and communication.

This framework offers guidance to universities when instructing students with leadership competencies for KT. This project emphasizes that effective leadership should include personal conscience and self-determination values.