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Ahuja M, Aseltine R. Barriers to Dissemination of Local Health Data Faced by US State Agencies: Survey Study of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Coordinators. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e16750. [PMID: 34255650 PMCID: PMC8317038 DOI: 10.2196/16750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Advances in information technology have paved the way to facilitate accessibility to population-level health data through web-based data query systems (WDQSs). Despite these advances in technology, US state agencies face many challenges related to the dissemination of their local health data. It is essential for the public to have access to high-quality data that are easy to interpret, reliable, and trusted. These challenges have been at the forefront throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective The purpose of this study is to identify the most significant challenges faced by state agencies, from the perspective of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) coordinator from each state, and to assess if the coordinators from states with a WDQS perceive these challenges differently. Methods We surveyed BRFSS coordinators (N=43) across all 50 US states and the District of Columbia. We surveyed the participants about contextual factors and asked them to rate system aspects and challenges they faced with their health data system on a Likert scale. We used two-sample t tests to compare the means of the ratings by participants from states with and without a WDQS. Results Overall, 41/43 states (95%) make health data available over the internet, while 65% (28/43) employ a WDQS. States with a WDQS reported greater challenges (P=.01) related to the cost of hardware and software (mean score 3.44/4, 95% CI 3.09-3.78) than states without a WDQS (mean score 2.63/4, 95% CI 2.25-3.00). The system aspect of standardization of vocabulary scored more favorably (P=.01) in states with a WDQS (mean score 3.32/5, 95% CI 2.94-3.69) than in states without a WDQS (mean score 2.85/5, 95% CI 2.47-3.22). Conclusions Securing of adequate resources and commitment to standardization are vital in the dissemination of local-level health data. Factors such as receiving data in a timely manner, privacy, and political opposition are less significant barriers than anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manik Ahuja
- Department of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - Robert Aseltine
- Center for Population Health, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
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Waterfield KC, Shah GH, Kimsey L, Mase W, Yin J. Public Health Employees' Perceptions about the Impact of Emerging Public Health Trends on Their Day-to-Day Work: Effects of Organizational Climate and Culture. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:1703. [PMID: 33578845 PMCID: PMC7916543 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this research was to assess the workforce characteristics associated with public health employees' perceived impact of emerging trends in public health on their day-to-day work. Methods: Multinomial logistic regression was performed to analyze data from the 2017 PH WINS, a cross-sectional survey utilizing a nationally representative sample of the United States public health workforce. Results: More than 55% of the public health workforce perceived that their day-to-day work was impacted by the emerging public health trends. Workplace environment was significantly associated with the perception of their day-to-day work being impacted by emerging public health trends such as quality improvement (QI) (AOR = 1.04, p < 0.001), and evidence-based public health practice (EBPH) (AOR = 1.04, p < 0.001). Race, ethnicity, and educational status were also positively associated with the perceived impact of the emerging public health trends. Conclusions: The organizational culture of a public health agency influences the engagement of the workforce and their perception of the meaningfulness of their work. As practitioners shift into chief health strategists, it will be imperative for them to have training in public health foundations and tools in order to efficiently serve their communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie C. Waterfield
- Department of Health Policy and Community Health, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA; (G.H.S.); (L.K.); (W.M.)
| | - Gulzar H. Shah
- Department of Health Policy and Community Health, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA; (G.H.S.); (L.K.); (W.M.)
| | - Linda Kimsey
- Department of Health Policy and Community Health, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA; (G.H.S.); (L.K.); (W.M.)
| | - William Mase
- Department of Health Policy and Community Health, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA; (G.H.S.); (L.K.); (W.M.)
| | - Jingjing Yin
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA;
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Sellers K, Leider JP, Lamprecht L, Liss-Levinson R, Castrucci BC. Using Public Health Workforce Surveillance Data to Prioritize Retention Efforts for Younger Staff. Am J Prev Med 2020; 59:562-569. [PMID: 32684360 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2020.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The public health enterprise has a people problem. An aging workforce coupled with a sustained, strong economy and healthcare sector has made the recruitment and retention of young, educated staff challenging. Approximately one third of public health staff aged 33 years and younger are considering leaving their organization in the next year. Their reasons for leaving, and considerations for staying, are not well characterized within public health. METHODS Data were drawn from the Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey, a nationally representative survey of state and local governmental public health employees across the U.S. In 2017, a total of 43,701 staff responded. Descriptive statistics across age groups were examined, and reasons for leaving were characterized. A latent class model and an intent-to-leave logit model were fit in 2019. RESULTS Pay and lack of opportunities for advancement were most frequently selected as reasons for considering leaving. Results of a logit model showed that being somewhat or very dissatisfied (versus somewhat or very satisfied) was associated with higher odds of intending to leave (AOR=4.4, p<0.0001), as was pay dissatisfaction (AOR=2.0, p<0.0001). Scoring higher than the agency median on a construct measuring perceived lack of organizational support (AOR=1.8, p<0.0001) and on a scale measuring burnout (AOR=2.6, p<0.0001) was also associated with higher odds of intending to leave. CONCLUSIONS Many factors associated with an increased intent to leave are present among all age groups. However, support is needed for managers as they attempt to develop and implement solutions that seek to retain the younger workforce in particular. Creating paths for promotion, competitive pay practices, organizational support, and engagement are all critical for retention in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathon P Leider
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Lara Lamprecht
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas
| | - Rivka Liss-Levinson
- Center for State and Local Government Excellence, Washington, District of Columbia
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Shah GH, Yin J, Young JL, Waterfield K. Employee Perceptions About Public Health Agencies' Desired Involvement in Impacting Health Equity and Other Social Determinants of Health. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2020; 25 Suppl 2, Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey 2017:S124-S133. [PMID: 30720625 PMCID: PMC6519883 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000000908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite a growing consensus in public health to address health inequities and leverage social determinants of health (SDoH), the level of public health practitioners' readiness to become the agents of change in promoting health equity and shaping SDoH is not well researched. OBJECTIVES To examine (1) the level of public health agency employees' perceived desirability for impacting health equity and SDoH, and (2) the impact of employee characteristics such as a (PH WINS) public health degree and awareness of health in all policies on such desirability. METHODS Data from the 2017 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey were used in examining the sense of desirability among agency employees for affecting health equity and SDoH in the agency jurisdictions. RESULTS Fifty-seven percent of health agency employees believed that their agencies should be very involved in affecting health equity in their jurisdictions. Fairly smaller proportions of employees believed in the desirability of affecting SDoH, and the proportions who believed that the agency should be very involved in affecting specific SDoH were 17.8% for affecting the quality of transportation, 18.5% for affecting the economy, 22.2% for quality of housing, 22.4% for quality of the built environment, 25.4% for K-12 education system, and 34.5% for impacting the quality of social support systems. Agency employees without a public health degree had significantly lower odds (P < .05) of believing that the agency should be very involved in affecting health equity. CONCLUSIONS With increasing efforts to reduce health inequities and leverage SDoH for improved population health, gaps exist in the public health workforce's perceived desirability for their agencies to be involved in such efforts. These gaps exist among employees regardless of their demographic characteristics, length of tenure, or agency setting. Policy and practice initiatives aimed to improve health equity might benefit from our findings positing a need for education regarding SDoH and health equity. Our study findings imply the need for interventions for improving alignment between employee beliefs and organizational priorities for an effective transformation to Public Health 3.0. Fostering cross-sector partnerships with a focus on Health in All Policies (HiAP), SDoH, and health equity must be a high priority for public health agencies, which can be formalized through organizational strategic plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulzar H Shah
- Department of Health Policy and Behavior (Dr Shah), Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia (Drs Shah and Yin and Ms Waterfield); and Department of Health Studies, American University, Washington, DC (Dr Young)
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Leider JP, Meit M, McCullough JM, Resnick B, Dekker D, Alfonso YN, Bishai D. The State of Rural Public Health: Enduring Needs in a New Decade. Am J Public Health 2020; 110:1283-1290. [PMID: 32673103 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2020.305728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Public health in the rural United States is a complex and underfunded enterprise. While urban-rural disparities have been a focus for researchers and policymakers alike for decades, inequalities continue to grow. Life expectancy at birth is now 1 to 2 years greater between wealthier urban and rural counties, and is as much as 5 years, on average, between wealthy and poor counties.This article explores the growth in these disparities over the past 40 years, with roots in structural, economic, and social spending differentials that have emerged or persisted over the same time period. Importantly, a focus on place-based disparities recognizes that the rural United States is not a monolith, with important geographic and cultural differences present regionally. We also focus on the challenges the rural governmental public health enterprise faces, the so-called "double disparity" of worse health outcomes and behaviors alongside modest investment in health departments compared with their nonrural peers.Finally, we offer 5 population-based "prescriptions" for supporting rural public health in the United States. These relate to greater investment and supporting rural advocacy to better address the needs of the rural United States in this new decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon P Leider
- Jonathon P. Leider is with the School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Michael Meit is with NORC at the University of Chicago, Bethesda, MD. J. Mac McCullough is with Arizona State University College of Health Solutions, Phoenix. Beth Resnick, Y. Natalia Alfonso, and David Bishai are with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD. Debra Dekker is with National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), Washington, DC
| | - Michael Meit
- Jonathon P. Leider is with the School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Michael Meit is with NORC at the University of Chicago, Bethesda, MD. J. Mac McCullough is with Arizona State University College of Health Solutions, Phoenix. Beth Resnick, Y. Natalia Alfonso, and David Bishai are with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD. Debra Dekker is with National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), Washington, DC
| | - J Mac McCullough
- Jonathon P. Leider is with the School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Michael Meit is with NORC at the University of Chicago, Bethesda, MD. J. Mac McCullough is with Arizona State University College of Health Solutions, Phoenix. Beth Resnick, Y. Natalia Alfonso, and David Bishai are with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD. Debra Dekker is with National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), Washington, DC
| | - Beth Resnick
- Jonathon P. Leider is with the School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Michael Meit is with NORC at the University of Chicago, Bethesda, MD. J. Mac McCullough is with Arizona State University College of Health Solutions, Phoenix. Beth Resnick, Y. Natalia Alfonso, and David Bishai are with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD. Debra Dekker is with National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), Washington, DC
| | - Debra Dekker
- Jonathon P. Leider is with the School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Michael Meit is with NORC at the University of Chicago, Bethesda, MD. J. Mac McCullough is with Arizona State University College of Health Solutions, Phoenix. Beth Resnick, Y. Natalia Alfonso, and David Bishai are with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD. Debra Dekker is with National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), Washington, DC
| | - Y Natalia Alfonso
- Jonathon P. Leider is with the School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Michael Meit is with NORC at the University of Chicago, Bethesda, MD. J. Mac McCullough is with Arizona State University College of Health Solutions, Phoenix. Beth Resnick, Y. Natalia Alfonso, and David Bishai are with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD. Debra Dekker is with National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), Washington, DC
| | - David Bishai
- Jonathon P. Leider is with the School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Michael Meit is with NORC at the University of Chicago, Bethesda, MD. J. Mac McCullough is with Arizona State University College of Health Solutions, Phoenix. Beth Resnick, Y. Natalia Alfonso, and David Bishai are with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD. Debra Dekker is with National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), Washington, DC
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Chaidez V, Palmer-Wackerly AL, Trout KE. Community Health Worker Employer Survey: Perspectives on CHW Workforce Development in the Midwest. J Community Health 2019; 43:1145-1154. [PMID: 29846861 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-018-0533-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A statewide Community Health Worker Employer Survey was administered to various clinical, community, and faith-based organizations (n = 240) across a range of rural and urban settings in the Midwest. At least 80% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that items characterized as supervisory support were present in their work environment. Thirty-six percent of respondents currently employed CHWs, over half (51%) of survey respondents reported seeing the need to hire/work with more CHWs, and 44% saw the need for CHWs increasing in the future. Regarding CHW support, a majority of respondents indicated networking opportunities (63%), paid time for networking (80%), adequate time for supervision (75%), orientation training (78%), mandatory training (78%), ongoing training (79%), and paid time for training (82%). Open-ended responses to the question "In your organization, what needs could CHWs meet?" resulted in the largest number of respondents reporting mental health issues as a priority, followed by connecting people with services or resources, educating the public on preventive health, family support, and home care/visitations. Our findings suggest that respondents, who largely have supervisory or managerial roles, view workplace environments in Nebraska favorably, despite the fact that nearly two-thirds of respondents typically work well over 40 h per week. In addition, CHWs could help address mental and physical health needs in a variety of community and clinical settings through primary and secondary prevention activities, such as provision of health screenings, health and nutrition education, connecting people to resources and empowering community members through these activities and more.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Chaidez
- Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 104A Leverton Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0806, USA.
| | | | - Kate E Trout
- Department of Natural Sciences, Peru State College, Peru, USA
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Mase WA, Hansen AR, Smallwood SW, Shah G, Peden AH, Mulherin T, Bender K. Disease Intervention Specialist Education for the Future: An Analysis of Public Health Curricula. Public Health Rep 2018; 133:738-748. [PMID: 30304646 DOI: 10.1177/0033354918792014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the degree of alignment between an existing public health curricula and disease intervention specialist (DIS) workforce training needs, (2) assess the appropriateness of public health education for DISs, and (3) identify existing curriculum gaps to inform future DIS training efforts. METHODS Using the iterative comparison analysis process of crosswalking, we compared DIS job tasks and knowledge competencies across a standard Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)-accredited bachelor of science in public health (BSPH) and master of public health (MPH) program core curricula offered by the Georgia Southern University Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health. Four researchers independently coded each DIS task and competency as addressed or not in the curriculum and then discussed all matches and non-matches between coders. Researchers consulted course instructors when necessary, and discussion between researchers continued until agreement was reached on coding. RESULTS The BSPH curriculum aligned with 75% of the DIS job tasks and 42% of the DIS knowledge competencies. The MPH core curriculum aligned with 55% of the job tasks and 40% of the DIS knowledge competencies. Seven job tasks and 9 knowledge competencies were considered unique to a DIS and would require on-the-job training. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that an accredited public health academic program, grounded in CEPH competencies, could address multiple components of DIS educational preparation. Similar analyses should be conducted at other CEPH-accredited schools and programs of public health to account for variations in curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Mase
- 1 Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Andrew R Hansen
- 1 Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Stacy W Smallwood
- 1 Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Gulzar Shah
- 1 Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Angela H Peden
- 1 Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Ted Mulherin
- 1 Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Kaye Bender
- 2 Public Health Accreditation Board, Alexandria, VA, USA
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Local Health Departments' Engagement in Addressing Health Disparities: The Effect of Health Informatics. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2018; 25:171-180. [PMID: 29975343 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000000842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Health disparities and health inequities can lead to poor health outcomes. However, health disparities continue to persist in communities across the United States, presenting a crucial public health challenge. Persisting budget cuts and workforce challenges tend to hinder local health departments' (LHDs') ability to assess and address health disparities. OBJECTIVES To examine the extent to which LHDs' use of informatics effects their engagement in strategies and activities addressing health disparities. METHODS Data from the 2016 Profile of LHDs were used in examining the association of informatics with 9 activities addressing health disparities/inequities. RESULTS Fifty-nine percent of LHDs used data and described health disparities in their jurisdiction, and 12% conducted original research to link health disparities to differences in social or environmental conditions. Less than 40% of LHDs prioritized resources for the reduction of health disparities. LHDs that implemented information systems had increased odds of describing the disparities in their jurisdiction (P < .01) and having prioritized resources for the reduction of disparities (P < .01). Per capita expenditures, participation in a national accreditation program process, and a larger LHD population were also positively associated with 7 of 9 activities for addressing health disparities/inequities. CONCLUSIONS As LHDs advance efforts to reduce health disparities and inequities, leadership will find informatics a useful strategy. National initiatives aimed to boost LHDs' engagement in the reduction of disparities might benefit from our findings, positing a positive influence of informatics.
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Leider JP, Coronado F, Beck AJ, Harper E. Reconciling Supply and Demand for State and Local Public Health Staff in an Era of Retiring Baby Boomers. Am J Prev Med 2018; 54:334-340. [PMID: 29336862 PMCID: PMC6944191 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2017.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study is to reconcile public health workforce supply and demand data to understand whether the expected influx of public health graduates can meet turnover events. METHODS Four large public health workforce data sources were analyzed to establish measures of workforce demand, voluntary separations, and workforce employees likely to retire at state and local health departments. Data were collected in 2014-2016 and analyzed in 2016 and 2017. Potential workforce supply (i.e., candidates with formal public health training) was assessed by analyzing data on public health graduates. Supply and demand data were reconciled to identify potential gaps in the public health workforce. RESULTS At the state and local level, ≅197,000 staff are employed in health departments. This is down more than 50,000 from 2008. In total, ≥65,000 staff will leave their organizations during fiscal years 2016-2020, with ≤100,000 staff leaving if all planned retirements occur by 2020. During 2000-2015, more than 223,000 people received a formal public health degree at some level. More than 25,000 students will receive a public health degree at some level in each year through 2020. CONCLUSIONS Demands for public health staff could possibly be met by the influx of graduates from schools and programs of public health. However, substantial implications exist for transferal of institutional knowledge and ability to recruit and retain the best staff to sufficiently meet demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon P Leider
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Fatima Coronado
- Center for Surveillance Epidemiology and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Angela J Beck
- University of Michigan Center of Excellence in Public Health Workforce Studies, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Elizabeth Harper
- Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Arlington, Virginia
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Leider JP, Shah G, Rider N, Beck A, Castrucci BC, Harris JK, Sellers K, Varda D, Ye J, Erwin PC, Brownson RC. Challenges and Innovations in Surveying the Governmental Public Health Workforce. Am J Public Health 2017; 106:1967-1974. [PMID: 27715307 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2016.303424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Surveying governmental public health practitioners is a critical means of collecting data about public health organizations, their staff, and their partners. A greater focus on evidence-based practices, practice-based systems research, and evaluation has resulted in practitioners consistently receiving requests to participate in myriad surveys. This can result in a substantial survey burden for practitioners and declining response rates for researchers. This is potentially damaging to practitioners and researchers as well as the field of public health more broadly. We have examined recent developments in survey research, especially issues highly relevant for public health practice. We have also proposed a process by which researchers can engage with practitioners and practitioner groups on research questions of mutual interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon P Leider
- At the time of writing, Jonathon P. Leider was and Brian C. Castrucci is with the de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, MD. Gulzar Shah is with the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro. Nikki Rider was with the National Network of Public Health Institutes, New Orleans, LA. Angela Beck is with the School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Jenine Harris and Ross C. Brownson are with the Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Katie Sellers was with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Arlington, VA. Danielle Varda is with the University of Colorado, Denver. Jiali Ye is with the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Washington, DC. Paul C. Erwin is with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
| | - Gulzar Shah
- At the time of writing, Jonathon P. Leider was and Brian C. Castrucci is with the de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, MD. Gulzar Shah is with the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro. Nikki Rider was with the National Network of Public Health Institutes, New Orleans, LA. Angela Beck is with the School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Jenine Harris and Ross C. Brownson are with the Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Katie Sellers was with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Arlington, VA. Danielle Varda is with the University of Colorado, Denver. Jiali Ye is with the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Washington, DC. Paul C. Erwin is with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
| | - Nikki Rider
- At the time of writing, Jonathon P. Leider was and Brian C. Castrucci is with the de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, MD. Gulzar Shah is with the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro. Nikki Rider was with the National Network of Public Health Institutes, New Orleans, LA. Angela Beck is with the School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Jenine Harris and Ross C. Brownson are with the Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Katie Sellers was with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Arlington, VA. Danielle Varda is with the University of Colorado, Denver. Jiali Ye is with the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Washington, DC. Paul C. Erwin is with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
| | - Angela Beck
- At the time of writing, Jonathon P. Leider was and Brian C. Castrucci is with the de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, MD. Gulzar Shah is with the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro. Nikki Rider was with the National Network of Public Health Institutes, New Orleans, LA. Angela Beck is with the School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Jenine Harris and Ross C. Brownson are with the Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Katie Sellers was with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Arlington, VA. Danielle Varda is with the University of Colorado, Denver. Jiali Ye is with the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Washington, DC. Paul C. Erwin is with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
| | - Brian C Castrucci
- At the time of writing, Jonathon P. Leider was and Brian C. Castrucci is with the de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, MD. Gulzar Shah is with the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro. Nikki Rider was with the National Network of Public Health Institutes, New Orleans, LA. Angela Beck is with the School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Jenine Harris and Ross C. Brownson are with the Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Katie Sellers was with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Arlington, VA. Danielle Varda is with the University of Colorado, Denver. Jiali Ye is with the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Washington, DC. Paul C. Erwin is with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
| | - Jenine K Harris
- At the time of writing, Jonathon P. Leider was and Brian C. Castrucci is with the de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, MD. Gulzar Shah is with the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro. Nikki Rider was with the National Network of Public Health Institutes, New Orleans, LA. Angela Beck is with the School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Jenine Harris and Ross C. Brownson are with the Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Katie Sellers was with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Arlington, VA. Danielle Varda is with the University of Colorado, Denver. Jiali Ye is with the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Washington, DC. Paul C. Erwin is with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
| | - Katie Sellers
- At the time of writing, Jonathon P. Leider was and Brian C. Castrucci is with the de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, MD. Gulzar Shah is with the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro. Nikki Rider was with the National Network of Public Health Institutes, New Orleans, LA. Angela Beck is with the School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Jenine Harris and Ross C. Brownson are with the Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Katie Sellers was with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Arlington, VA. Danielle Varda is with the University of Colorado, Denver. Jiali Ye is with the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Washington, DC. Paul C. Erwin is with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
| | - Danielle Varda
- At the time of writing, Jonathon P. Leider was and Brian C. Castrucci is with the de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, MD. Gulzar Shah is with the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro. Nikki Rider was with the National Network of Public Health Institutes, New Orleans, LA. Angela Beck is with the School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Jenine Harris and Ross C. Brownson are with the Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Katie Sellers was with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Arlington, VA. Danielle Varda is with the University of Colorado, Denver. Jiali Ye is with the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Washington, DC. Paul C. Erwin is with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
| | - Jiali Ye
- At the time of writing, Jonathon P. Leider was and Brian C. Castrucci is with the de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, MD. Gulzar Shah is with the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro. Nikki Rider was with the National Network of Public Health Institutes, New Orleans, LA. Angela Beck is with the School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Jenine Harris and Ross C. Brownson are with the Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Katie Sellers was with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Arlington, VA. Danielle Varda is with the University of Colorado, Denver. Jiali Ye is with the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Washington, DC. Paul C. Erwin is with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
| | - Paul C Erwin
- At the time of writing, Jonathon P. Leider was and Brian C. Castrucci is with the de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, MD. Gulzar Shah is with the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro. Nikki Rider was with the National Network of Public Health Institutes, New Orleans, LA. Angela Beck is with the School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Jenine Harris and Ross C. Brownson are with the Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Katie Sellers was with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Arlington, VA. Danielle Varda is with the University of Colorado, Denver. Jiali Ye is with the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Washington, DC. Paul C. Erwin is with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
| | - Ross C Brownson
- At the time of writing, Jonathon P. Leider was and Brian C. Castrucci is with the de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, MD. Gulzar Shah is with the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro. Nikki Rider was with the National Network of Public Health Institutes, New Orleans, LA. Angela Beck is with the School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Jenine Harris and Ross C. Brownson are with the Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Katie Sellers was with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Arlington, VA. Danielle Varda is with the University of Colorado, Denver. Jiali Ye is with the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Washington, DC. Paul C. Erwin is with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
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Perceptions Regarding Importance and Skill at Policy Development Among Public Health Staff. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2017; 21 Suppl 6:S141-50. [PMID: 26422484 PMCID: PMC4590525 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000000324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
This article explores existing competency gaps for policy development among state health agency employees. Policy development is recognized as a core function of public health and a core competency in formal public health education. However, relatively little is known nationally about worker perceptions and competencies related to policy development in the governmental public health workforce.
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The Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey: The First National Survey of State Health Agency Employees. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2017; 21 Suppl 6:S13-27. [PMID: 26422482 PMCID: PMC4590524 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000000331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This article describes a nationally representative survey of central office employees at state health agencies to characterize key components of the public health workforce. Public health practitioners, policy makers, and researchers alike have called for more data on individual worker's perceptions about workplace environment, job satisfaction, and training needs for a quarter of a century. The Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS) was created to answer that call.
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Lovelace K, Shah GH. Using Information Systems to Improve a Mid-Sized Local Health Department's Effectiveness in a Time of Rapid Change. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2016; 22 Suppl 6, Public Health Informatics:S89-S94. [PMID: 27684626 PMCID: PMC5049941 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000000455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informatics capacity building is resource and personnel intensive. Many local health departments (LHDs) face tradeoffs between using their resources to carry out existing mandates and using resources to build their capacity, for example, through informatics, to deliver essential services in a more effective and efficient manner. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this case study is to describe how a mid-sized LHD built and used information systems to support its strategic objectives, clinical services, and surveillance. METHODS The mid-sized LHD described here was chosen for its "best practices" in informatics capacity building and use by NACCHO's study advisory committee. To conduct the case study, authors reviewed departmental documents and conducted semistructured interviews with key informants in the agency. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, thematically coded, and analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Findings from the case study suggest that including capacity building in informatics as a strategic priority is one of the most effective ways to ensure that informatics are assessed, updated, and included in resource decisions. Leadership at all levels is critical to the successful implementation of informatics as is proactive partnership with community partners who have overlapping goals. The efficiency and effectiveness of LHDs rely on informatics capacity, especially when resources are challenged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Lovelace
- Department of Public Health Education, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (Dr Lovelace); and Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro (Dr Shah)
| | - Gulzar H. Shah
- Department of Public Health Education, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (Dr Lovelace); and Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro (Dr Shah)
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Massoudi BL, Chester K, Shah GH. Public Health Staff Development Needs in Informatics: Findings From a National Survey of Local Health Departments. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2016; 22 Suppl 6, Public Health Informatics:S58-S62. [PMID: 27684619 PMCID: PMC5049962 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000000450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Public health practice is information-intensive and information-driven. Public health informatics is a nascent discipline, and most public health practitioners lack necessary skills in this area. OBJECTIVE To describe the staff development needs of local health departments (LHDs) related to informatics. DESIGN Data came from the 2015 Informatics Capacity and Needs Assessment Survey, conducted by Georgia Southern University in collaboration with the National Association of County & City Health Officials. PARTICIPANTS A total of 324 LHDs from all 50 states completed the survey (response rate: 50%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Outcome measures included LHDs' specific staff development needs related to informatics. Predictors of interest included jurisdiction size and governance type. RESULTS Areas of workforce development and improvement in informatics staff of LHDs included using and interpreting quantitative data, designing and running reports from information systems, using and interpreting qualitative data, using statistical or other analytical software, project management, and using geographical information systems. Significant variation in informatics training needs exists depending on the size of the LHD population and governance type. CONCLUSION Substantial training needs exist for LHDs across many areas of informatics ranging from very basic to specialized skills and are related to the size of LHD population and governance type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara L. Massoudi
- eHealth, Quality Measurement and Health Data Analytics Division, RTI International, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Massoudi); C3 Informatics, LLC, Milton, Georgia (Dr Chester); Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro (Dr Shah)
| | - Kelley Chester
- eHealth, Quality Measurement and Health Data Analytics Division, RTI International, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Massoudi); C3 Informatics, LLC, Milton, Georgia (Dr Chester); Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro (Dr Shah)
| | - Gulzar H. Shah
- eHealth, Quality Measurement and Health Data Analytics Division, RTI International, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Massoudi); C3 Informatics, LLC, Milton, Georgia (Dr Chester); Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro (Dr Shah)
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Shah GH, Leider JP, Luo H, Kaur R. Interoperability of Information Systems Managed and Used by the Local Health Departments. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2016; 22 Suppl 6, Public Health Informatics:S34-S43. [PMID: 27684616 PMCID: PMC5049946 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000000436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the post-Affordable Care Act era marked by interorganizational collaborations and availability of large amounts of electronic data from other community partners, it is imperative to assess the interoperability of information systems used by the local health departments (LHDs). OBJECTIVES To describe the level of interoperability of LHD information systems and identify factors associated with lack of interoperability. DATA AND METHODS This mixed-methods research uses data from the 2015 Informatics Capacity and Needs Assessment Survey, with a target population of all LHDs in the United States. A representative sample of 650 LHDs was drawn using a stratified random sampling design. A total of 324 completed responses were received (50% response rate). Qualitative data were used from a key informant interview study of LHD informatics staff from across the United States. Qualitative data were independently coded by 2 researchers and analyzed thematically. Survey data were cleaned, bivariate comparisons were conducted, and a multivariable logistic regression was run to characterize factors associated with interoperability. RESULTS For 30% of LHDs, no systems were interoperable, and 38% of LHD respondents indicated some of the systems were interoperable. Significant determinants of interoperability included LHDs having leadership support (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.54), control of information technology budget allocation (AOR = 2.48), control of data systems (AOR = 2.31), having a strategic plan for information systems (AOR = 1.92), and existence of business process analysis and redesign (AOR = 1.49). CONCLUSION Interoperability of all systems may be an informatics goal, but only a small proportion of LHDs reported having interoperable systems, pointing to a substantial need among LHDs nationwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulzar H. Shah
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia (Drs Shah and Kaur); de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, Maryland (Dr Leider); and Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, North Carolina (Dr Luo)
| | - Jonathon P. Leider
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia (Drs Shah and Kaur); de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, Maryland (Dr Leider); and Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, North Carolina (Dr Luo)
| | - Huabin Luo
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia (Drs Shah and Kaur); de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, Maryland (Dr Leider); and Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, North Carolina (Dr Luo)
| | - Ravneet Kaur
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia (Drs Shah and Kaur); de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, Maryland (Dr Leider); and Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, North Carolina (Dr Luo)
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