Abstract
BackgroundThere are few studies describing how to scale up effective capacity-building approaches for public health practitioners. This study tested local-level evidence-based decision making (EBDM) capacity-building efforts in four U.S. states (Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, and Washington) with a quasi-experimental design.MethodsPartners within the four states delivered a previously established Evidence-Based Public Health (EBPH) training curriculum to local health department (LHD) staff. They worked with the research team to modify the curriculum with local data and examples while remaining attentive to course fidelity. Pre- and post-assessments of course participants (n = 82) and an external control group (n = 214) measured importance, availability (i.e., how available a skill is when needed, either within the skillset of the respondent or among others in the agency), and gaps in ten EBDM competencies. Simple and multiple linear regression models assessed the differences between pre- and post-assessment scores. Course participants also assessed the impact of the course on their work.ResultsCourse participants reported greater increases in the availability, and decreases in the gaps, in EBDM competencies at post-test, relative to the control group. In adjusted models, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in ‘action planning,’ ‘evaluation design,’ ‘communicating research to policymakers,’ ‘quantifying issues (using descriptive epidemiology),’ and ‘economic evaluation.’ Nearly 45% of participants indicated that EBDM increased within their agency since the training. Course benefits included becoming better leaders and making scientifically informed decisions.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the potential for improving EBDM capacity among LHD practitioners using a train-the-trainer approach involving diverse partners. This approach allowed for local tailoring of strategies and extended the reach of the EBPH course.
Highlights
There are few studies describing how to scale up effective capacity-building approaches for public health practitioners
The public health workforce is transdisciplinary by nature and represents diverse educational backgrounds and job types [11,12,13,14]
There is a need for comprehensive training programs that build and maintain common skillsets and language among public health practitioners to accomplish evidence-based decision making (EBDM) goals [15,16]
Summary
There are few studies describing how to scale up effective capacity-building approaches for public health practitioners. This study tested local-level evidence-based decision making (EBDM) capacity-building efforts in four U.S states (Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, and Washington) with a quasi-experimental design. Based on literature in the emerging field of dissemination and implementation research [8,9], the scale-up of effective workforce capacity-building approaches is a key need for research and practice [10]. There is a need for comprehensive training programs that build and maintain common skillsets and language among public health practitioners to accomplish EBDM goals [15,16]. The Prevention Research Center in St. Louis (PRC-StL) developed an Evidence-Based Public Health (EBPH) training course in 1997 with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. Course content aligns closely with core competencies of public health [2,3,17] and covers specific skills to improve public health practice [18]
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