Management and Leadership in Healthcare: Expectations, Conditions, Skills, and Reflections in a Leadership Program

This study follows first- and second-line healthcare managers who take part in an established leadership development program in a Swedish healthcare region. The study examines managers' expectations of the program and how they describe their skills and conditions for practicing management and leadership before, during, and after participation. It also explores their reflections on the program, including learning, new insights, application in everyday management practice, and conditions for taking part. Participants complete questionnaires before the program, immediately after it ends, and one year later. During the program, they record reflections in structured diaries. After the program, participants are invited to focus group interviews to discuss their experiences in greater depth. The questionnaire, diary, and interview findings will be combined to provide a broader understanding of managers' development and experiences of the program.

Inclusion Criteria: * Employed as a first- or second-line healthcare manager in Region Kronoberg and selected by the healthcare organization to participate in the leadership development program starting in September 2026. Exclusion Criteria: * Not employed as a first- or second-line healthcare manager