Building Adaptive Leaders: A Formative Evaluation of the Region V Public Health Leadership Institute Using Ripple...

Area of Science:

• Public Health Training
• Leadership Development
• Program Evaluation

Background:

• The Region V Public Health Training Center launched its first Leadership Institute (RVPHLI) in 2023.
• This initiative aimed to enhance leadership capacity within public health and primary care sectors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a formative evaluation of the inaugural Region V Public Health Leadership Institute (RVPHLI).
• To qualitatively assess the program's impact on participants' leadership capacity and potential outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-eight public health and primary care professionals engaged in 40 hours of online adaptive leadership training.
• Ripple effect mapping (REM) and focus group discussions were employed with 32 participants.

Main Results:

• REM analysis indicated improvements in participants' cultural, social, and human capital.
• Focus groups revealed themes of enhanced collaboration, new leadership approaches, self-awareness, and redefined leadership concepts.

Conclusions:

• Participants reported increased leadership confidence and skills, identifying broader beneficiaries.
• The findings will inform future RVPHLI programs and leadership development initiatives in public health and primary care.