Characterizing the leadership of family medicine registrars of Kamuzu University of Health Sciences: Perspectives of healthcare workers engaged in bedside teaching

Good leadership is a crucial aspect for a good primary healthcare system and for enhancing patient health outcomes. This qualitative exploratory study sought to explore the leadership role played by family medicine registrars in bedside teaching at Mangochi District Hospital and Nkhoma Mission Hospital in Malawi. Focus group discussions were held with healthcare workers who worked under the registrars, and the data was analyzed qualitatively using inductive and deductive analysis. From the study, it was established that the registrars have good clinical leadership skills, including working in collaboration, mentorship, ethical behavior, flexibility, and resourcefulness. However, the effectiveness of the leadership role is limited by a lack of clear role boundaries, mentorship, limited participation in system decision-making, and a lack of feedback. The family medicine registrars demonstrated high levels of interpersonal and professional competencies, which have a high potential for improving leadership roles. The study has provided useful insights on how the leadership training in the Master of Family Medicine course at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) can be improved.