Leadership role in health management of chronic disease management programs in 3 different health systems

Chronic disease is well recognized as a significant health challenge in developed and many emerging economies. Virtually all health care organizations within the system that deliver services, including those who plan, fund, and coordinate services, have a role in chronic disease prevention, management, and sustainability. Leadership, resources, incentives, and quality improvement across the healthcare system and within individual organisations are prerequisites to successful implementation and sustainability as part of the framework’s practice and system changes. Mixed-method descriptive research was undertaken as part of the thesis. This study took place in three countries Malaysia, Nepal and Australia. Purposeful sampling was used in both the quantitative and qualitative research methods to identify and select participants for the studies. A semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct in-depth interviews among key informants in a leadership role across urban, rural and regional health districts in 3 countries, and a survey questionnaire was sent to key leaders in Malaysia. Study findings highlighted key approaches to leadership and engagement in implementing NCDs programs at the district level. Leadership at the district level is constantly challenged by a lack of human, material, and technical resources in implementing chronic disease programs. This shortage impacts the decision-making and handling of social and professional workplace relationships by the leaders. Several issues emerged, including fostering collaborative leadership, setting a clear vision, engaging the community, and managing resources at the district level. Effective and committed leadership is extremely important and should be emphasised for the implementation and sustainability of chronic disease programs. There is a demand for healthcare leadership development, which will certainly improve the health system's managerial, administrative and teamwork capacities at a micro-level in strengthening healthcare and improving health outcomes