Competency in innovation, creative and innovative thinking: challenges within the Health Management course curriculum

Abstract

Although competencies in innovation, creative and innovative thinking have been shown to be required by health managers and leaders, studies suggest that formal postgraduate health management programs do not include many of these required proficiencies. In this study, we undertook a content analysis of the syllabus information available on the public domain for each of the postgraduate Health Management programs delivered by universities in Australia. The results showed that, in the courses examined, there was a shortage of content concerned with creative and innovative thinking and innovation. The dilemma faced is how to incorporate this much needed content into the program. This is an issue since the curriculum is often characterised by a shortage of relevant and available health-related material, and is generally packed with so much content that there is little room to add any further matter. An important consideration is whether these competencies are best enhanced through formal academic courses or through other modes such as professional development programs, on the job training, or mentoring programs. Should consideration also be given to sourcing such teaching material from the available and relevant nonhealth environment? In addition, in some cases could current content at the postgraduate level be substituted, at least partly, by prerequisites at the undergraduate level? It could be said that both academics and health managers share a common but difficult challenge: whether to keep the status quo or dare to innovate in the face of changing health service practices.