Date of Award
Spring 2023
Degree Type
Restricted to Claremont Colleges Dissertation
Degree Name
Public Health, DPH
Program
School of Community and Global Health
Advisor/Supervisor/Committee Chair
Paula H. Palmer
Dissertation or Thesis Committee Member
C. Anderson Johnson
Dissertation or Thesis Committee Member
Jay E. Orr
Terms of Use & License Information
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Rights Information
© 2023 Amay V Singh
Keywords
COVID-19, Crisis Leadership, Leadership, Public Health, Public Health Preparedness, Training
Subject Categories
Public Health | Public Health Education and Promotion
Abstract
Context: The public health workforce encountered challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic that exposed areas for improvement in preparation for future public health threats. Key among these is well-trained public health leaders equipped with an array of crisis leadership skills. This study sought to achieve three aims in the COVID-19 setting: assess the perceived competencies of public health leaders; examine the training of public health leaders; and provide lessons learned regarding improvements needed for public health leader preparedness. Methods: Thirty public health leaders participated in a mixed methods study utilizing an online questionnaire and interviews. Participants were queried on demographics, education/training, communication, collaboration, self-efficacy, crisis leadership, and lessons learned. Findings: The questionnaire revealed gaps in crisis leadership, communication, and collaboration training. Interview results supported and expanded upon the quantitative findings, including the value of collaboration, communication, team wellbeing, and the utility of academic training versus practical experience. Conclusions: Findings suggested that although many of the skills needed are competencies for accredited public health training programs, effective leadership during public health emergencies may require additional training beyond what is generally provided. Recommended training courses included communication, ICS training, team wellbeing management, collaboration with external stakeholders, navigating public backlash, and leading in a virtual setting. These findings will aid programs and practitioners alike in creating and implementing strategies to ensure that the public health workforce is motivated and prepared for future crises.
ISBN
9798379900502
Recommended Citation
Singh, Amay Vikrama. (2023). Lessons From Leading During a Pandemic: An Exploratory Study of Public Health Leadership Insights on Training, Preparation, and Experiences From the Field During COVID-19. CGU Theses & Dissertations, 563. https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cgu_etd/563.
