The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #67410

Stephen Gloyd, MD, MPH¹, Mary Anne Mercer, DrPH², and Robert Plotnick, PhD¹. (1) Health Services/International Health, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, H-660 P.O. Box 357660, Seattle, WA 98195-7660, (206) 543 6714, gloyd@u.washington.edu, (2) Health Alliance International, 1107 NE 45th Street, Suite 410, Seattle, WA 98116

Effective leadership is a key to successful design and implementation of health programs in developing countries. Recently, several foundations have supported an array of programs that seek to strengthen leadership skills of health professionals involved in progressive reproductive health programs and policies in the developing world. Evaluating the effectiveness of such programs poses significant challenges because of their small scale, lack of control groups, and uncertain indicators of success.

This paper explores theories of leadership development and approaches to measuring progress and impact. The analysis draws on our experience with a University of Washington based leadership program for senior reproductive health leaders in developing countries. The program provides an academic year of training in leadership, management and public policy, and also provides several years of follow-up support after participants return home. We discuss how the ongoing evaluation of processes and short-term outcomes were used in the process of continuous refinement of the program. The paper will present a model of leadership change, and discuss the challenges of evaluating the long term impact of leadership programs on reproductive health policies and outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• "At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• Describe the leadership needs of senior reproductive health professionals from developing countries,
• Articulate theories of leadership development and strengthening, and
• Identify approaches to evaluation of effectiveness of leadership programs

Keywords: Reproductive Health, Leadership

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.