Using a most significant change approach to evaluate learner-centric outcomes of clinical scholars leadership training program

Most significant change (MSC) analysis is an evaluative method used to supplement outcome and impact program evaluations. MSC stories provide mini-narratives contextualizing the effect a program had on an individual. The Clinical Scholars program evaluation team used MSC to explore learner-centric leadership outcomes of the Clinical Scholars leadership training program. To identify thematic outcomes of trainees during the three years of their leadership training in the Clinical Scholars program. We identified three central thematic areas of most significant change: (1) leadership in practice, (2) self-awareness, and (3) equity, diversity, and inclusion. Other present themes included stakeholder engagement, effective leadership, collaboration, impact, expanded influence, innovation, networking, community engagement, evidence-based, implementation science, organizational development, hope, and advocating within organizations, teams, and the community. A total of 25 mid- and advanced-career level participants represented a diverse array of disciplines within the healthcare sector. MSC stories represented leaders' individual and team growth due to participating in the Clinical Scholars program. Results confirmed fidelity of program implementation to the original program goals, as outlined in the grant proposal. They highlighted three critical areas of development for this cohort of Fellows. •Most significant change stories are an effective outcome evaluation tool.•Healthcare providers benefit from an equity-centered curriculum in leadership training.•The practice of leadership is diverse and requires leaders to be self-aware.•Informative qualitative analysis demands an iterative investigation of the data.