61 ‘You are a leader!’ – Empowering doctors-in-training through leadership development

Introduction We undertook the task of creating an 'Introduction to Leadership' study day tailored for doctors below the level of higher specialty trainees. In May 2017, the General Medical Council recognised the importance of leadership as a core generic professional capability. Leadership is now embedded into the curricula of all Medical Colleges. Disappointingly, Health Education England (HEE) found that among this group of doctors more than half reported no previous leadership training. HEE's report 'Leadership Development for Doctors in Postgraduate Medical Training' assigns the responsibility of delivering leadership training to local Postgraduate Deans and Leadership Academies. It emphasises normalising clinical leadership, fostering personal and skills development, and promoting compassionate and inclusive leadership. Ultimately, the course serves as a starting point for self-awareness and development, acknowledging that cultivating leadership skills is a gradual process integral to a doctor's longitudinal personal growth throughout their training. Aims and objectives of the research project or activity Through attending the course our aim was for trainees to reflect on their own leadership experiences to date and to start to be aware of their own leadership styles and limitations. Specifically, we wanted attendees to be able to: Identify aspects of their current roles where they are acting as leaders Examine and explore their own leadership style Distinguish between examples of good and poor leadership Understand the importance of compassion in leadership and explore the 'Civility Saves Lives' campaign Demonstrate leadership in clinical problem-solving exercises Describe the organisational leadership of their clinical departments and the wider organisation We use feedback from attendees to evaluate the course to ensure it is providing useful training. Our program has evolved based on this feedback. Method or approach Our program, designed and delivered by senior Specialty Trainees in anaesthesia, emergency medicine, and respiratory medicine focuses on healthcare leadership. Faculty all had formal training in healthcare leadership. Doctors can apply to attend the course, securing study leave for participation. A pre-course questionnaire gauges participants' leadership background and expectations, tailoring the programme to their needs. The course has evolved from lectures to workshops in order to foster active engagement. As trainees, we serve as near-peer role models to normalise leadership. Keynote talks from doctors in formal leadership roles, such as the Trust's Chief Registrar, enrich the experience. Looking towards the future, another session signposts doctors to relevant leadership opportunities. A post-course questionnaire evaluates the day and prompts attendees to reflect on their learning. The course provides a dynamic platform for junior trainees to explore and enhance their leadership skills, leveraging the expertise of our diverse faculty. Findings We have now held 3 courses in 2023 with 3 more scheduled in 2024. In total 75 doctors have attended our program. We collected information about self-rated agreement with certain phrases pre- and post-session (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree) and after attending the course: More doctors felt that leadership training was important at their stage of training (pre = 4.1/5, post = 4.8) Considerably more doctors identified as a leader (pre = 3.0, post = 4.2) Satisfaction with their level of knowledge around leadership theory and models (pre = 2.1, post = 4.0), and frameworks and competencies (pre = 2.1, post = 4.3) increased Awareness of relevant leadership opportunities was improved (pre = 2.5, post = 4.4) Overall, most attendees found the course very useful with an average rating of 4.9/5 and 100% said they would recommend the course to a colleague. The general appetite and enthusiasm for this type of training from doctors at the earliest stage in their career can be seen in the free text feedback. Attendees would 'like to attend more teaching of this kind' and feel that 'we need more sessions of leadership courses'. Key messages As outlined by HEE, early commencement of leadership development for doctors-in-training is incredibly important. Specialty trainees with an interest in healthcare leadership, who understand the challenges faced by trainees and who are viewed as authentic by them, can successfully introduce a program tailored to their needs. Training can allow doctors to feel more confident in their role as leaders. It can boost confidence, heighten the perceived value of leadership development, enhance knowledge of leadership behaviours, and raise awareness of available leadership opportunities. Amidst growing disengagement among trainee doctors, these programs underscore their significance within the NHS, validating institutional commitment to their development. Ultimately, fostering leadership skills is not just beneficial for patient care but also vital for shaping the future of the NHS. By nurturing doctors with clinical and organisational leadership acumen, we contribute to a resilient healthcare system.