An Exploratory-Descriptive Analysis of Training Programs for Leadership in Health Research and Services in India

Background: There are several leadership training programs for health researchers in India. However, there is a need to develop context-tailored leadership and mentoring approaches. Objective: The objective of the study is to critically analyze the available leadership training programs in India for health researchers and service providers, for the leadership domains incorporated and overall training approaches. Materials and Methods: We used an exploratory-descriptive design to identify and review leadership training programs for health researchers and service providers/managers that had been offered by Indian institutions between 2013 and 2018. Our analytic approach was based on “transformational leadership” and “leader-member exchange” theories of leadership, curricula of popular leadership training programs worldwide, and the International Clinical Epidemiology Network model for leadership in health research in India based on a nationwide primary study. Results: We identified and reviewed 20 leadership training programs. These were heterogeneous in aim, scope (broad-based/thematic), course content, design, target participants and class profile, mode of delivery and training method, duration, frequency, and fund arrangements. The programs infrequently included topics on soft skills, mentoring, risk mitigation, collaboration for research, funding dynamics, institutional transformation, self-view and peer perception, and personal well-being. The programs insufficiently addressed contextual challenges of career exploration and risk mitigation, project management, strategic planning, and decision-making, ethics and integrity, negotiations, networking and collaboration, understanding funding dynamics, and mentoring. Only three programs linked to the training to the participants’ ecosystem. Conclusions: There is a need to develop customized course contents and training strategies that address the requirements of the local context vis-à-vis globally connected research ecosystems.