Evaluation of an innovative model for leadership and management development among national immunization program teams

Objectives: Investments in leadership and management are essential to the achievement of Gavi's global immunization goals. The onset of COVID-19 created obstacles for management interventions that relied on travel, convenings, or in-person coaching. Evidence-based adaptations were required to continue strengthening the leadership and management of national immunization programmes in times of rapid change. To understand the feasibility, acceptability, impact, and cost of innovative models of leadership and management development, we sought to evaluate the COVID-adapted Expanded Programme on Immunization Leadership and Management Programme (EPI LAMP). Study Design: Consistent with the Kirkpatrick model for training program evaluation, we used a mixed-methods longitudinal evaluation. Methods: We used program administration data, repeated delegate surveys, and exit interviews to describe EPI LAMP at three levels: engagement (participation and satisfaction), learning (change in competencies), and impact (application of new competencies in the workplace). We also assessed the financial and environmental costs of the program. Results: The adapted programme engaged 11 countries and achieved a 94% graduation rate. 100% of delegates would recommend EPI LAMP to their peers and over 90% of delegates agreed the course met the learning objectives. Delegates demonstrated significant improvements in management and leadership competencies, and breakthrough projects improved immunization programme performance. The adapted model delivered much lower financial cost and environmental impact compared to the traditional model. Conclusion: The adapted EPI LAMP model may be a superior approach to leadership development in LMIC settings, even as pandemic-related restrictions recede.