International Journal of Public Health (Feb 2024)

Competencies for Transformational Leadership in Public Health—An International Delphi Consensus Study

  • Barbara Maria Bürkin,
  • Barbara Maria Bürkin,
  • Katarzyna Czabanowska,
  • Katarzyna Czabanowska,
  • Suzanne Babich,
  • Suzanne Babich,
  • Núria Casamitjana,
  • Marta Vicente-Crespo,
  • Marta Vicente-Crespo,
  • Luis Eugenio De Souza,
  • John P. Ehrenberg,
  • Axel Hoffmann,
  • Axel Hoffmann,
  • Rajesh Kamath,
  • Anja Matthiä,
  • Anja Matthiä,
  • Fredros Okumu,
  • Elizeus Rutebemberwa,
  • Elizeus Rutebemberwa,
  • Marco Waser,
  • Marco Waser,
  • Nino Kuenzli,
  • Nino Kuenzli,
  • Julia Bohlius,
  • Julia Bohlius

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2024.1606267
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 69

Abstract

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Objectives: This Delphi study intended to develop competencies for transformational leadership in public health, including behavioral descriptions (descriptors) tailored to individuals and their contexts.Methods: The study involved five rounds, including online “e-Delphi” consultations and real-time online workshops with experts from diverse sectors. Relevant competencies were identified through a literature review, and experts rated, ranked, rephrased, and proposed descriptors. The study followed the Guidance on Conducting and REporting DElphi Studies (CREDES) and the COmpeteNcy FramEwoRk Development in Health Professions (CONFERD-HP) reporting guidelines.Results: Our framework comprises ten competencies for transformational public health leadership (each with its descriptors) within four categories, and also describes a four-stage model for developing relevant competencies tailored to different contexts.Conclusion: Educators responsible for curriculum design, particularly those aiming to align curricula with local goals, making leadership education context-specific and -sensitive, may benefit from the proposed framework. Additionally, it can help strengthen links between education and workforce sectors, address competency gaps, and potentially reduce the out-migration of graduates in the health professions.

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