Abstract
The Society for Prevention Research (SPR) aims to continually provide relevant professional development training opportunities to advance scientific investigation of ways to improve the health, well-being, and social and educational outcomes of individuals and communities. Our study, led by the Training Needs Assessment Task Force, designed a quantitative questionnaire informed by semistructured, qualitative interviews of 13 key prevention science informants. The questionnaire was deployed to all SPR members, of which 347 completed it. Questions about training topics were asked along 8 categories: (1) theory; (2) preventive interventions; (3) research methods, design, and evaluation; (4) teaching and mentoring; (5) practical and interpersonal skills; (6) communication; (7) project management; and (8) data analysis. Across all categories, respondents reported a high level of interest in receiving training: more than 80% were interested in training in data analytic methods; about 70% indicated interest in theory, preventive interventions, and research methods, design, and evaluation; about 65% were interested in at least 1 communication and project management topic; and 60% showed interest in at least 1 practical and interpersonal skills topic. Training-related interests varied across career level and race/ethnicity, with early-career individuals and people of color typically indicating the most interest. Participants were most likely to endorse self-initiated learning and webinars. SPR preconference training workshops were strongly endorsed for data analysis and preventive intervention topics. Recommendations from our study include a need for SPR to more strongly support self-initiated learning opportunities and continue preconference training programs, with special focuses in statistical methods and preventive interventions and regular assessment of members’ training preferences.
Highlights
The mission of the Society for Prevention Research (SPR) is twofold
To ensure relevant training is provided to its members, the Board of Directors approved a proposal generated by Early Career Preventionist Network (ECPN) members and the training committee to survey SPR members about their training needs
The study goal was to provide an updated assessment of the training needs of SPR members. These results suggest training opportunities of interest for prevention scientists in addition to training in the foundational areas (Biglan et al 2011). These results have been shared to the board and have already started to inform training opportunities sponsored by SPR
Summary
The mission of the Society for Prevention Research (SPR) is twofold. It aims to improve research and the knowledge base related to the development and prevention of social, physical, mental health, and academic/cognitive problems. SPR aims to improve how this knowledge is applied to everyday situations to support health, development, and well-being (Society for Prevention Research 2018c). Given the quick pace of technological advances, supporting continual training in the foundations of SPR and new developments in the field are essential for the organization to achieve its goal, to improve the health, development, and well-being of communities across the country and around the world.
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