scholarly journals Developing a health information (HI) training programme: strengthening the public health workforce

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Velez-Lapão ◽  
A Beja ◽  
P Nogueira

Abstract Background New developments and technologies require skilled professionals to manage and use public health information in most efficient ways. However, currently training in specific fields is lacking and large inequalities exist in Europe in terms of the availability and training of qualified professionals. Methods In order to set up a sustainable EU HI training program for HI professionals, core modules need to be selected to provide adequate training across Europe. This study a scoping review and is doing a survey on current existing HI programmes and aimes to identify the main educational components needed to train HI professionals. The databases of Pubmed and Ebsco were searched for the scoping review. The survey is being circulated to representatives of InfAct in 28 countries. Based on the results a baseline HI training programme for practicing public health professionals will be proposed. Results Initial search identified 249 papers. After the exclusion of duplicates and unavailable documents, 53 papers were selected for review. Only 5 papers were found related to the European context. However the results from other papers could be extrapolated. The results were organised in 3 domains: organisation, people and technology dimensions. The development of HI capacities is often done through multiple and sequential interventions, which are adapted to the needs, conditions and resources available within each HIS. Thus, the importance of aligning training with working processes and usability in professional practice is key. This can be challenging, as HI functions are diverse across Europe. The results of the survey will be presented when processed by the time of the workshop. Conclusions There is a need for qualified skilled professionals in HI taking into account a changing global environment. Most of HI capacity building programmes are yet to reach maturity, and this review and survey identify a set of important areas for further development of the HI training programme.

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Perkiö ◽  
R Harrison ◽  
M Grivna ◽  
D Tao ◽  
C Evashwich

Abstract Education is a key to creating solidary among the professionals who advance public health’s interdisciplinary mission. Our assumption is that if all those who work in public health shared core knowledge and the skills for interdisciplinary interaction, collaboration across disciplines, venues, and countries would be facilitated. Evaluation of education is an essential element of pedagogy to ensure quality and consistency across boundaries, as articulated by the UNESCO education standards. Our study examined the evaluation studies done by programs that educate public health professionals. We searched the peer reviewed literature published in English between 2000-2017 pertaining to the education of the public health workforce at a degree-granting level. The 2442 articles found covered ten health professions disciplines and had lead authors representing all continents. Only 86 articles focused on evaluation. The majority of the papers examined either a single course, a discipline-specific curriculum or a teaching method. No consistent methodologies could be discerned. Methods ranged from sophisticated regression analyses and trends tracked over time to descriptions of focus groups and interviews of small samples. We found that evaluations were primarily discipline-specific, lacked rigorous methodology in many instances, and that relatively few examined competencies or career expectations. The public health workforce enjoys a diversity of disciplines but must be able to come together to share diverse knowledge and skills. Evaluation is critical to achieving a workforce that is well trained in the competencies pertinent to collaboration. This study informs the pedagogical challenges that must be confronted going forward, starting with a commitment to shared core competencies and to consistent and rigorous evaluation of the education related to training public health professionals. Key messages Rigorous evaluation is not sufficiently used to enhance the quality of public health education. More frequent use of rigorous evaluation in public health education would enhance the quality of public health workforce, and enable cross-disciplinary and international collaboration for solidarity.


2007 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S93-S97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique Regidor ◽  
Luis de la Fuente ◽  
Juan L. Gutiérrez-Fisac ◽  
Salvador de Mateo ◽  
Cruz Pascual ◽  
...  

2002 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 45-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
John R. Lumpkin ◽  
Margaret S. Richards

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuning Kurniasih ◽  
Sukaesih

This study aims to understand the public health information behavior in the vicinity of flood prone area by examining 1) The public health information behavior in identifying diseases that may occur because of a flood. 2) The information behavior in finding health information solution required for dealing with diseases that may occur because of a flood. 3) The public health information behavior in determining health information sources which is used. 4) The public health information behavior in making use of health information for diseases that may occur because of a flood. 5) The public health information behavior in making use of health institution to satisfy its information needs. 6) The public health information behavior in flood prone area. The method used in this research is qualitative method supported by Case Study approach. In this research, we analyze data obtained from Focus Group Discussion (FGD) conducted by 11 informants and in-depth interview with 20 interviewees that are competent with this research research for triangulation. The result of this research reveals that people living in the flood prone area vicinity in Baleendah Village, Andir Village, Dayeuh Kolot Village and Bojongsoang Village, Bandung Regency (1) identify the potential of a flood disease based on their experience and identification during a flood (2) search for health information solution required for overcoming disease potential because of a flood by asking directly to a doctor or health center staff or volunteers during a flood. For psychological problem, usually people consult with religious leader, although Social Agency provice service to overcome this problem. (3) The main information source used is one that is informed by the health center or village midwife. (4) People use health information to help healing process when they get sick during the disaster. Health information obtained when a flood does not happen is only for adding insights. (5) Health Agency through health center and village midwife are actively involved to give health counseling to the public on various occasions. Those five things influence The public health information behavior in the flood prone area.


2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 13-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parsa Mirhaji ◽  
Dean Allemang ◽  
Robert Coyne ◽  
S. Ward Casscells

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. e005597
Author(s):  
Kofi Mensah Nyarko ◽  
Leigh Ann Miller ◽  
Andrew L Baughman ◽  
Puumue Katjiuanjo ◽  
Michele Evering-Watley ◽  
...  

Namibia faces a critical shortage of skilled public health workers to perform emergency response operations, preparedness activities and real-time surveillance. The Namibia Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (NamFELTP) increases the number of skilled public health professionals and strengthens the public health system in Namibia. We describe the NamFELTP during its first 7 years, assess its impact on the public health workforce and provide recommendations to further strengthen the workforce. We reviewed disease outbreak investigations and response reports, field projects and epidemiological investigations conducted during 2012–2019. The data were analysed using descriptive methods such as frequencies and rates. Maps representing the geographical distribution of NamFELTP workforce were produced using QGIS software V.3.2. There were no formally trained field epidemiologists working in Namibia before the NamFELTP. In its 7 years of operation, the programme graduated 189 field epidemiologists, of which 28 have completed the Advanced FELTP. The graduates increased epidemiological capacity for surveillance and response in Namibia at the national and provincial levels, and enhanced epidemiologist-led outbreak responses on 35 occasions, including responses to outbreaks of human and zoonotic diseases. Trainees analysed data from 51 surveillance systems and completed 31 epidemiological studies. The NamFELTP improved outcomes in the Namibia’s public health systems; including functional and robust public health surveillance systems that timely and effectively respond to public health emergencies. However, the current epidemiological capacity is insufficient and there is a need to continue training and mentorship to fill key leadership and strategic roles in the public health system.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Beja ◽  
P Nogueira ◽  
L V Lapão

Abstract Background Sound and reliable information is fundamental to decision-making across all health system. New information technologies can contribute to a more accurate and efficient public health action, requiring new and more sophisticated skills to support this change. Considering the European context, where public health professionals vary by country and cover different areas, and the need for a skilled workforce, the objective of this study is to identify the basic educational components required for a public health information specialist. This study is part of the ongoing research under INFACT Joint Action. Methods A scope review (Pubmed/Ebsco, free access texts, no time restrictions) was carried out in order to answer the following question: Considering the set of activities of public health, what are the main topics and trends of the literature on both Human Resources and Health Information Systems (HIS) training? Abstracts were read by two reviewers and the select texts analyzed using HOT-FIT framework for HIS. Results Among the 53 records, it was possible to identify different study designs and elements related to different contexts and HIS. There is a trend for new publications, with a significant increase since 2014. The content analysis showed more frequent themes in three main categories - Human, Organization and Technology, allowing identifying a wide range of public health professionals and their educational needs. Conclusions Results reinforce the link between information systems and public health, showing the importance of regular HIS as data source for monitoring population health, specific events and determinants, management and research activities and during the stages of the planning cycle of public health activities. The proper workforce capacitation emerges as a success factor for HIS implementation, as well as several professional profiles that carry out public health activities and the areas where it is necessary to strengthen their training. Key messages There’s growing interest in the use of technologies for the development of public health information systems. Workforce needs to develop specific skills for the technological challenges in Public Health.


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