156 Key objectives of a novel leadership programme for healthcare students and young professionals

Introduction There are currently numerous healthcare management courses and degrees, but many of these do not actively foster leadership. The Healthcare Leadership Academy (HLA) provides leadership training for undergraduate medical students, junior doctors and allied healthcare professionals. Through this year-long programme, scholars are taught with a combination of case discussions, lectures, workshops and undertake an individual project. This study aims to gain a better understanding of what constitutes an effective leadership programme. Methods A series of anonymised structured interviews were conducted with the 2016–2017 HLA cohort. Through a standardised list of open-ended questions, all 11 scholars were asked about their motivations, expectations, and experiences of the course. Transcribed interviews were reviewed by two independent assessors (AD, SC). A qualitative analysis using a three-level data coding process was performed using NVivo Version 12 software. The codebooks were compiled, and conflicts resolved by a third assessor (GM). Results The analysis of the interview transcripts revealed three main themes: personal, social and project development. The scholars identified how the programme improved their personal competencies, including communication, social media presence, resilience and confidence. Scholars also discussed how the programme provided them with a supportive environment and enabled them to access a network of healthcare role models, but they expressed the need for a formal mentoring scheme. Whilst carrying out their individual projects, scholars appreciated feedback sessions held with other scholars and faculty members. Conclusion The interviews provided insights on key aspects of leadership training. The study highlighted the importance of exposure to leadership training at the undergraduate level and demonstrated that leadership is best learnt through enabling individuals to become leaders and develop followership themselves.