Competence profile of Regional Health Network Managers

Abstract

Abstract Background Based on the findings of the previous country-level research and interviews conducted by the partner institutions, we aimed at developing an International Core Competence Profile for Regional Health Network Managers (RHNMs), which later may serve as a foundation for the project's final goal: the curriculum development for EU RHNMs. Core Competence Profile (CCP): The CCP describes in a comprehensive and structured manner what activities a RHNM needs to perform to reach the goals of health promotion and prevention by managing the network of local actors. Two central and one ancillary circle of competences were defined-all three interrelated. The two central, overlapping circles are the Health Content Planning Cycle and the Network Management Cycle, both defined as cycles, emphasizing the importance of repeated feedback and readjustment of the processes. Relevant competencies' list: Based on the CCP, we ordered knowledge/skill areas to the competences named in the profile. According to the interview results combined with assessment, Health Content Planning Cycle is mostly based on broader health- and policy planning related knowledge (e.g. public health, social epidemiology, interdisciplinary social), and needs a strong basis in data collection and analysis knowledge and skills. Network Management Cycle is based very strongly on a wide range of “people” and communication skills (oral and written, with different stakeholders and in different settings), as well as strategic management. Based on the project team's assessment, RHNMs need advanced level knowledge in the areas of: interdisciplinary knowledge; implementation science; stakeholder analysis; facilitation of process; PR-written and oral communications; people skills, diplomacy, conflict management; strategic management; project management, and fund raising.