Bridging the leadership gap: evaluating a pharmacy administration and leadership short course for hospital pharmacists transitioning into leadership roles
Michael Stepanovic, Min Jiang, Stephen F. Eckel, Sue Kirsa, Kirstie Galbraith, Kathryn A. MorbitzerAbstract
Background
Pharmacy administrators play a vital role in patient care, operational efficiency, and service innovation. However, many newly appointed pharmacy administrators lack formal training in leadership and management, which may lead to gaps in leadership capabilities. Traditional postgraduate degrees and training programs are often inaccessible due to time and financial constraints, highlighting the need for scalable, practice‐oriented alternatives.
Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Short Course Training Program (PAL‐SCTP) on participants' leadership confidence, skill acquisition, and perceived program value.
Method
A pre‐/post‐intervention study was conducted among 23 recently appointed hospital pharmacy administrators at a tertiary referral centre in Melbourne, Australia. The six‐month PAL‐SCTP included two in‐person workshops, ten synchronous virtual sessions, and applied assignments. Pre‐ and post‐course surveys measured confidence in leadership competencies using 4‐point (0–3) and 11‐point (0–10) Likert scales. Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests assessed changes in confidence, with Hodges–Lehmann estimates used to interpret effect sizes. Ethical approval was granted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Office of Research Ethics (reference no. 23–2402) and the study conforms to the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to distribution of the pre‐course survey. Project information explaining participation was voluntary, anonymity and confidentiality were maintained, and electronic consent forms were completed prior to survey completion.
Results
Twenty‐one participants completed both pre‐ and post‐course surveys. Statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) were observed across all leadership confidence and skill‐acquisition measures. Median confidence ratings increased for every leadership objective assessed. The program achieved a Net Promoter Score of 52, reflecting strong perceived program value.
Conclusion
The PAL‐SCTP significantly improved participants' leadership confidence and self‐reported skill acquisition and was highly valued by participants (Net Promoter Score 52). Short‐course training offers a feasible and scalable model for leadership development in pharmacy and may also support the advancement of frontline leaders into more senior roles across healthcare systems.