Abstract
BackgroundMonitoring and evaluation (M&E) provides vital information for decision-making and its structures, systems and processes are expected to be integrated throughout the life-cycle of public health programs. The acquisition of these skills should be developed in a structured manner and needs educational systems to identify core competencies in M&E teaching. This article presents our work on harmonizing M&E competencies for Masters level programs in the South Asian context and undertaking the global review of M&E track/ concentration offered in various Masters of Public Health (MPH) programs.MethodsThrough an online search and snow-balling, we mapped institutions offering M&E tracks/ concentrations in Masters of Public Health (MPH) programs globally. We obtained detailed information about their M&E curriculum from university websites and brochures. The data on curricular contents was extracted and compiled. We analyzed the curricular contents using the framework for core competencies developed by the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH); and the Miller’s triangle. This data was then used to inform a consultative exercise aimed at identifying core competencies for an M&E track/ concentration in MPH programs in the South Asian context.ResultsOur curricular review of M&E content within MPH programs globally showed that different domains or broad topic areas relating to M&E are covered differently across the programs. The quantitative sciences (Biostatistics and Epidemiology) and Health Policy and Management are covered in much greater depth than the other two domains (Social & Behavioral Sciences and Environmental Health Sciences). The identification of core competencies for an M&E track/ concentration in the South Asian context was undertaken through a consultative group exercise involving representation from 11 institutions across Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. During the consultation, the group engaged in a focused discussion to reach consensus on a set of 15 core competencies for an M&E track in South Asian MPH programs.ConclusionThis work presents an opportunity for institutions to identify and re-examine their M&E competencies as a part of their specialized tracks within MPH programs. Our curricular analysis approach has the potential for adaptation and further use in curriculum analysis across different academic specialties.
Highlights
Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) provides vital information for decision-making and its structures, systems and processes are expected to be integrated throughout the life-cycle of public health programs
The results of the frequency and depth of the domains have been depicted in Fig. 2 below, where the five core Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) domains are depicted as circles
It is evident from the figure that majority of the curricula of M&E tracks/ concentrations currently include Biostatistics
Summary
We undertook a review of M&E tracks/concentrations available globally to landscape the current teaching in M&E. Four independent team members reviewed the curriculum of the track/ concentration and matched the course contents to the corresponding core domains suggested in the ASPH framework. We standardized the reviewer’s knowledge in M&E by requesting all of them to complete a standard course on M&E fundamentals available on the MEASURE Evaluation website [9] These reviewers sat together for a half-day meeting and worked on a dummy curriculum and fitted these into the ASPH corecompetency framework. This was followed by a similar exercise in assessing the depth of the core-competencies using the Miller’s triangle. A brainstorming and consensus building exercise was subsequently undertaken wherein core competency statements were revised to consider issues such as duplication, overlap of core competency statements, etc. till the time a consensus was reached by the larger group
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
