Enhancing Health Policy Administration in LMICs: Dr. LJW Fellowship Program Insights (2021-2023)

Abstract

Background: The Dr. LEE Jong-wook (LJW) Fellowship Program aims to enhance the capabilities of healthcare personnel in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) through comprehensive training and education. This study evaluates the satisfaction and effectiveness of the Health Policy Administrator course within the program, focusing on participants from 2021 to 2023. Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of the Dr. LJW Fellowship Program, specifically evaluating participants' satisfaction, knowledge and competency improvement, and the adoption of learned knowledge in the workplace. Methods: A mixed-methods study design was adopted, utilizing Kirkpatrick's four-level evaluation framework to assess the program's impact. A total of 39 public health policymakers from 19 LMICs participated in the training course at an affiliated university. The evaluation focused on training satisfaction, knowledge and competency improvement, competence achievement, and the practical adoption of learned knowledge. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze participant characteristics, while paired t-tests were employed to assess knowledge and competency improvement before and after the program. Results: The program demonstrated high levels of participant satisfaction, with an overall satisfaction score of 92.9. Knowledge scores improved significantly, with an average increase of 61%, particularly in health statistics (77% improvement) and healthcare systems (56.3% improvement). Competency achievement was also high, with an average score of 92.5. However, the job adoption of learned knowledge scored lower, with supervisors and coworkers rating it at 70.9 and 72.1, respectively, indicating challenges in translating training into practical workplace applications. Conclusions: The Dr. LJW Fellowship Program effectively enhanced participants' knowledge and competencies in health policy administration. However, the lower scores in job adoption suggest a need for improved follow-up support and practical application strategies to ensure that the training's benefits are fully realized in participants' work environments.