Considerations for increasing the competences and capacities of the public health workforce: assessing the training needs of public health workers in Texas

doi:10.1186/1478-4491-4-18

Human Resources for Health

Volume 4

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Blakely C
Quiram B
McLeroy K

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Research

Considerations for increasing the competences and capacities of the public health workforce: assessing the training needs of public health workers in Texas

Stephen Borders¹^,2 , Craig Blakely³ , Barbara Quiram³ and Kenneth McLeroy³

¹Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

²Prior Affiliation: Texas A&M University System Health Science Center – School of Rural Public Health, College Station, Texas, USA

³Texas A&M University System Health Science Center – School of Rural Public Health, College Station, Texas, USA

author email corresponding author email

Human Resources for Health 2006, 4:18doi:10.1186/1478-4491-4-18


Published:	26 July 2006

Abstract

Background

Over the last two decades, concern has been expressed about the readiness of the public health workforce to adequately address the scientific, technological, social, political and economic challenges facing the field. A 1988 report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) served as a catalyst for the re-examination of the public health workforce. The IOM's call to increase the relevance of public health education and training prompted a renewed effort to identify competences needed by public health personnel and the organizations that employ them.

Methods

A recent evaluation sought to address the role of the 10 essential public health services in job services among the Texas public health workforce. Additionally, the evaluation examined the Texas public health workforce's need for training in the 10 essential public health services.

Results and conclusion

Overall, the level of perceived training needs varied dramatically by job category and health department type. When comparing aggregate training needs, public health workers with greater day-to-day contact (nurses, health educators) indicated a greater need for training than their peers who did not, such as those working in administrative positions. When prioritizing and designing future training modules regarding the 10 essential public health services, trainers should consider the effects of job function, location and contact with the public.