Evaluating the WHO leadership in emergencies training programme: participants' perspective
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Background: The Leadership in Emergencies (LIE) training programme, developed by WHO’s Health Emergencies (WHE) Learning and Capacity Development Unit (LCD) and Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) Health Emergencies Department, aims to enhance emergency management and responders' technical and operational skills. WHO implemented a four-phase leadership programme to address leadership gaps in emergency response. This study evaluates its effectiveness using participant surveys and in-depth interviews.
Methods: A total of 207 participants completed the survey, with 10 providing qualitative insights through interviews. The WHO Research Ethics Review Committee approved the study. It assessed the application of non-technical skills, field-level public health expertise, project management in humanitarian settings, and leadership competencies.
Results: Participants frequently applied communication (35.7%), teamwork (36.7%), problem-solving (37.2%), and emotional intelligence (37.7%) skills. Field-level public health skills were frequently applied by 42.5%, and project management skills by 86.5%. Many reported career advancements, improved leadership, networking, stress management, and strategic thinking.
The training was relevant, particularly simulation exercises, but challenges included balancing training with professional duties. Participants highlighted the need for structured follow-up. Future training should incorporate ongoing support mechanisms and emphasise simulation exercises and stakeholder engagement.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the necessity of ongoing evaluations, practical simulations, and continuous enhancement of training programmes.
Methods: A total of 207 participants completed the survey, with 10 providing qualitative insights through interviews. The WHO Research Ethics Review Committee approved the study. It assessed the application of non-technical skills, field-level public health expertise, project management in humanitarian settings, and leadership competencies.
Results: Participants frequently applied communication (35.7%), teamwork (36.7%), problem-solving (37.2%), and emotional intelligence (37.7%) skills. Field-level public health skills were frequently applied by 42.5%, and project management skills by 86.5%. Many reported career advancements, improved leadership, networking, stress management, and strategic thinking.
The training was relevant, particularly simulation exercises, but challenges included balancing training with professional duties. Participants highlighted the need for structured follow-up. Future training should incorporate ongoing support mechanisms and emphasise simulation exercises and stakeholder engagement.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the necessity of ongoing evaluations, practical simulations, and continuous enhancement of training programmes.
Date Issued
2025-06-02
Date Acceptance
2025-06-09
Citation
Frontiers in Disaster and Emergency Medicine, 2025, 3
ISSN
2813-7302
Publisher
Frontiers Media
Journal / Book Title
Frontiers in Disaster and Emergency Medicine
Volume
3
Copyright Statement
© 2025 Tabche, Atwan, Al-Mutawakel, Andriamiseza, Popovich, Augustyniak, Black, Utunen and Rawaf. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
License URL
Publication Status
Published