Assessing the Professional Development Needs of Public Health Educators in Light of Changing Competencies
2008

Training Needs of Public Health Educators

Sample size: 70 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Roesler Demers Anne, Mamary Edward

Primary Institution: San Jose State University

Hypothesis

What are the self-identified training needs of public health educators in relation to updated competencies?

Conclusion

Public health educators need training in areas such as organizational development, evaluation, and management to address emerging trends and challenges.

Supporting Evidence

  • 43% of respondents identified organizational development as a key training need.
  • 93% of respondents reported that their employers would allow them to take time off for professional development training.
  • Less than two-thirds of respondents were reimbursed for continuing education expenses.

Takeaway

Public health educators want to learn more about managing and evaluating health programs, especially with new technology and changing health issues.

Methodology

A web-based survey was conducted among public health educators who are alumni of San Jose State University to assess their training needs and employer support for continuing education.

Potential Biases

Self-selection bias may have influenced the results as participants were recruited from a specific alumni list.

Limitations

The study used convenience sampling, which may not represent all public health educators, and lacked input from other educational backgrounds.

Participant Demographics

Participants were primarily health educators employed in government settings, with a majority having graduated from the MPH program between 1978 and 2006.

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