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Abstract
Purpose This paper reports on trainees’ perceptions of leadership and leadership development, to inform the support that may be provided to them. It draws on a formative evaluation of the new role of clinical leadership mentor (CLM), introduced by Health Education England South-West in 2018. CLMs are responsible for ‘overseeing the process and progress of leadership development among the trainees within their Trust/Local Education Provider’.
Methods The evaluation was a formative evaluation, based on interviews with CLMs, trainees and trainers and a survey of trainees and trainers. Recruitment was through 8 of the 19 CLMs in the South West. A report for each participating CLM was available to support the development of their individual role. In exploring trainees’ perceptions of leadership and leadership development, this paper draws on data from trainees: 112 survey returns which included over 7000 words of free text data and 13 interviews.
Findings Our findings suggest a more nuanced understanding of leadership in medical trainees than was previously reported in the literature, and a wider acceptance of their leadership role. We highlight the problem of considering postgraduate doctors as a homogeneous group, particularly with reference to specialty. We also highlight that the organisational context for leadership development can be supportive or non-supportive. Leadership learning through genuine leadership experience with appropriate support from trainers and the wider Trust offers opportunities for both trainees and Trusts.
Practical implications Trainees are accepting of their roles as leaders. The value of leadership learning through genuine leadership experience was highlighted. Improving the environment for leadership development offers Trusts and trainees opportunities for genuine service improvement.
- learning
- medical leadership
- trainees
- management
- mentoring
Data availability statement
No data are available. No data are available because participants’ consent did not include this provision.
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Data availability statement
No data are available. No data are available because participants’ consent did not include this provision.
Footnotes
X @iainHSMC, @LouiseHardyOD
Contributors The commissioned evaluation was conceived and designed by IS, HB, LJH and JT who all contributed to discussions of the clinical leadership mentors group. This article was conceived by all authors. Data collection was undertaken by IS, HB, LS and SB, analysis was undertaken by IS and HB, who also drafted the article. All authors offered critique and revision, and approved the final version. IS accepts full responsibility for the work and conduct of the study, has access to the data and controlled the decision to publish.
Funding This research was funded by the NHS Leadership Academy.
Competing interests None declared.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.
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