Developing a healthcare transformational leadership competency framework for disaster resilience and risk management

Climate change-induced hazards increasingly threaten healthcare systems worldwide, amplifying the frequency and severity of disasters and their adverse health effects. This necessitates fortified healthcare leadership and resilient systems capable of delivering quality care amidst escalating environmental challenges and emphasises the need for standardised competency frameworks to enhance disaster readiness and response. As healthcare organisations face evolving challenges, cultivating transformational leadership competencies becomes essential for building adaptive, resilient, and effective disaster management strategies. Purpose: of this study: This conceptual paper addresses the research question: "How can healthcare leaders' competencies be developed to support healthcare disaster resilience?". Methods: The study, conducted in 2023, used a narrative literature review, comparative analysis, and synthesis. It reviewed frameworks on transformational leadership and disaster resilience, employing comparative analysis to examine relationships and leadership competencies. A synthesized framework was developed to clarify dimensions and relationships. Results: Eight 'domains' of competencies were identified, in addition to other 'transferring skills.' The domains were analysed regarding their component competencies and were broadly classified into knowledge, cognitive and interpersonal skills, and attitudes. This classification is proposed as a 'Healthcare Transformational Leadership Competency Framework' (HTLCF) for disaster resilience and risk management. Conclusion: The HTLCF supports leaders in navigating complexities, anticipating risks, and facilitating collaboration, communication, and accountability, leveraging their transformative agency. This study suggests the use of the Healthcare Transformational Leadership Competency Framework to develop a standardised disaster management curriculum and continuous, ongoing training. This would equip leaders to enhance resilience and ensure coordinated, effective disaster responses for healthcare systems.