Management Education for Clinical Directors: An Evaluation

Abstract

Based on a national evaluation of a £2 million Government‐sponsored programme to send some 260 consultants from the 14 Regional Health Authorities in England to attend Business School management programmes during 1992‐3. Reports on a 20‐month tracking study to assess changes in the level and breadth of knowledge, attitudes and behaviour as acknowledged by course participants, their UGMs, line managers and where possible their chief executives. Over 2,000 course participants were interviewed and some 106 completed both pre‐ and post‐course attendance “self‐efficacy” questionnaires. Most consultants emerged from the courses feeling more confident to handle their current and prospective management roles and the tangible returns to the organization suggest that advanced management development should continue for consultants being appointed to senior management roles such as clinical and medical directors.