Long-term impact of health policy and management training for health experts from the LMICs: 2022 Dr. LEE Jong-wook fellowship program

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Abstract
Background: Strengthening health leadership and management capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is critical for building resilient health systems. The Dr. Lee Jong-wook Fellowship Program (LJWFP), implemented by the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare, was designed to equip public health administrators with competencies in policy implementation and system strengthening. However, long-term behavioural impacts of such programs are rarely evaluated beyond satisfaction and knowledge gains. This study assessed the long-term impact of the 2022 LJWFP cohort on competency achievement, satisfaction and workplace application using the Kirkpatrick evaluation framework. Methods: This mixed methods study analysed data from 13 fellows who participated in the 2022 LJWFP. Quantitative data were collected through pre- and post-training assessments, participant surveys and supervisor and peer evaluations. Qualitative evidence was obtained through follow-up assessments and structured field visits. Descriptive statistics summarized key outcomes and Pearson’s correlation analysis examined associations among competency achievement, training satisfaction and workplace application over a 2-y follow-up period. Results: The program demonstrated high training satisfaction, with substantial gains in knowledge and competency. The correlation between competency achievement and satisfaction was moderate and statistically significant (r=0.488, p<0.05), whereas the relationship between competency and field application was moderate but not statistically significant (r=0.445, p<0.05). A strong, statistically significant correlation was observed between satisfaction and field application (r=0.776, p<0.001), suggesting that participants who were more satisfied with the training were more likely to apply their learning in practice. Conclusions: The program effectively enhanced leadership skills and supported post-training applications. Future iterations should integrate mentorship and follow-up mechanisms, expand digital learning tools and measure system-level impact longitudinally. These findings highlight the value of context-tailored fellowships in advancing public health leadership and governance in LMICs.
Funding Information
  • Korea Foundation for International Health Care

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