Self-development for women in the NHS

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Professional Development
• Gender Studies in Medicine

Background:

• National Health Service (NHS) training often lacks management preparation for clinical roles.
• Women in healthcare face unique challenges in advancing to managerial positions.
• The Astra programme was developed by the NHS Executive's equal opportunities unit.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Astra programme for women's management career development within the NHS.
• To assess the impact of the programme on participants' self-perception and career clarity.
• To explore the utility of targeted development programs for underrepresented groups in healthcare leadership.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative approach was used, focusing on a group of women across various disciplines in one NHS trust.
• Participants engaged in a four-month management development program (Astra programme).
• Post-programme feedback was collected to gauge perceived changes in confidence, assertiveness, and career direction.

Main Results:

• Participants reported a significant increase in self-confidence after completing the Astra programme.
• The programme led to enhanced assertiveness among the participating women.
• A greater sense of clarity regarding career development pathways was a key outcome.

Conclusions:

• The Astra programme effectively supports women in developing managerial capabilities within the NHS.
• Targeted interventions can enhance confidence and career progression for women in healthcare.
• Addressing training gaps in management is crucial for leadership development in the NHS.