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Garbers S, Crinklaw AD, Brown AS, Russell R. Increasing student engagement with course content in graduate public health education: A pilot randomized trial of behavioral nudges. EDUCATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES 2023:1-17. [PMID: 37361785 PMCID: PMC10043508 DOI: 10.1007/s10639-023-11709-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Digital advances in the learning space have changed the contours of student engagement as well as how it is measured. Learning management systems and other learning technologies now provide information about student behaviors with course materials in the form of learning analytics. In the context of a large, integrated and interdisciplinary Core curriculum course in a graduate school of public health, this study undertook a pilot randomized controlled trial testing the effect of providing a "behavioral nudge" in the form of digital images containing specific information derived from learning analytics about past student behaviors and performance. The study found that student engagement varied significantly from week to week, but nudges linking coursework completion to assessment grade performance did not significantly change student engagement. While the a priori hypotheses of this pilot trial were not upheld, this study yielded significant findings that can guide future efforts to increase student engagement. Future work should include a robust qualitative assessment of student motivations, testing of nudges that tap into these motivations and a richer examination of student learning behaviors over time using stochastic analyses of data from the learning management system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Garbers
- Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 60 Haven Avenue, Room B3-311, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Allyson D. Crinklaw
- Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 60 Haven Avenue, Room B3-311, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Adam S. Brown
- Office of the Vice Provost to Teaching, Learning & Innovation, Columbia University, 201 International Affairs Building 420 West 118th Street, New York, NY 10027 USA
| | - Roxanne Russell
- Digital Learning Studio, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10032 USA
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Sell K, Hommes F, Fischer F, Arnold L. Multi-, Inter-, and Transdisciplinarity within the Public Health Workforce: A Scoping Review to Assess Definitions and Applications of Concepts. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10902. [PMID: 36078616 PMCID: PMC9517885 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
In light of the current public health challenges, calls for more inter- and transdisciplinarity in the public health workforce are increasing, particularly to respond to complex and intersecting health challenges, such as those presented by the climate crisis, emerging infectious diseases, or military conflict. Although widely used, it is unclear how the concepts of multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinarity are applied with respect to the public health workforce. We conducted a scoping review and qualitative content analysis to provide an overview of how the concepts of multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinarity are defined and applied in the academic literature about the public health workforce. Of the 1957 records identified, 324 articles were included in the review. Of those, 193, 176, and 53 mentioned the concepts of multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinarity, respectively. Overall, 44 articles provided a definition. Whilst definitions of multidisciplinarity were scarce, definitions of inter- and transdisciplinarity were more common and richer, highlighting the aim of the collaboration and the blurring and dissolution of disciplinary boundaries. A better understanding of the application of multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinarity is an important step to implementing these concepts in practice, including in institutional structures, academic curricula, and approaches in tackling public health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Sell
- Institute of Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, 81377 Munich, Germany
- German Network of Young Professionals in Public Health (NÖG), 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Franziska Hommes
- German Network of Young Professionals in Public Health (NÖG), 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Fischer
- German Network of Young Professionals in Public Health (NÖG), 80539 Munich, Germany
- Institute of Public Health, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Bavarian Research Center of Digital Health and Social Care, Kempten University of Applied Sciences, Albert-Einstein-Straße 6, 87437 Kempten, Germany
| | - Laura Arnold
- German Network of Young Professionals in Public Health (NÖG), 80539 Munich, Germany
- Academy of Public Health Services, Kanzlerstraße 4, 40472 Duesseldorf, Germany
- Department of International Health, Care and Public Health Research Institute—CAPHRI, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6211 Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Garbers S, March D, Kornfeld J, Baumgartner SR, Wiggin M, Westley LA, Ballesteros-Gonzalez D, Delva M, Fried LP. Columbia University Master of Public Health Core Curriculum: Implementation, Student Experience, and Learning Outcomes, 2013-2018. Public Health Rep 2021; 137:168-178. [PMID: 33673776 PMCID: PMC8721756 DOI: 10.1177/0033354921999162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Public health education must respond to 21st-century public health challenges in an ever-evolving landscape. We describe implementation and educational outcomes of the Columbia University Master of Public Health (MPH) Core (hereinafter, Core) curriculum since its inception. METHODS This retrospective evaluation combined 6 years (2013-2018) of student survey data collected from students (N = 1902) on the structure and delivery of the Core curriculum to quantify implementation, student experience, and learning outcomes, both during study (Core Evaluation Survey [CES]) and after graduation (Graduate Exit Survey [GES]). We used χ2 tests and analysis of variance to compare outcomes across years, and we used McNemar tests to compare differences in outcomes from the same students at different time points. RESULTS Of 1902 respondents to the CES, 1795 (94.4%) completed the Core curriculum. During the study period, 81.7% of students were able to integrate concepts across Core curriculum modules with ease; postgraduation, a similar proportion of respondents were able to apply Core curriculum content to departmental and certificate coursework and applied field experiences. On-time graduation rates were high (range, 85%-93%). CONCLUSIONS The high percentage of students who reported their ability to integrate concepts and who completed the Core during the study period likely reflected changes to teaching team structures, training, attention to inclusion and equity, and collaboration to implement active learning strategies. The Core curriculum meets its intended goals by providing critical learning abilities to support ongoing interdisciplinary work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Garbers
- Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA,Samantha Garbers, PhD, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, 60 Haven Ave, Room B4-417, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Dana March
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julie Kornfeld
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sabrina R. Baumgartner
- Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maggie Wiggin
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren A. Westley
- Office of Educational Programs, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Marlyn Delva
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Linda P. Fried
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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Apatu E, Sinnott W, Piggott T, Butler-Jones D, Anderson LN, Alvarez E, Dobbins M, Harrison L, Neil-Sztramko SE. Where Are We Now? A Content Analysis of Canadian Master of Public Health Course Descriptions and the Public Health Agency of Canada's Core Competencies. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2021; 27:201-207. [PMID: 32371629 PMCID: PMC7837747 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the degree to which Master of Public Health (MPH) programs' course descriptions align with the Public Health Agency of Canada's (PHAC's) core competency categories in order to identify strengths and training gaps in such programs across Canada. METHODS A content analysis of MPH programs in Canada was conducted from July 2019 to November 2019. A sampling frame of programs was obtained from a list from the PHAC Web site. Program information, including mandatory and elective course descriptions, was extracted from each program's Web site and analyzed in NVivo 12. Course descriptions were independently categorized by 2 researchers into 1 or more of the 7 categories of the core competencies outlined by the PHAC. RESULTS We identified 18 universities with MPH programs with 267 courses across Canada. Thematic analysis revealed that 100% of programs had coursework that addressed the "Public Health Sciences" and "Assessment and Analysis" categories; 93% addressed "Policy and Program Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation"; 67% addressed each of "Communication," "Leadership," and "Partnerships, Collaboration, and Advocacy"; and only 56% had course descriptions addressing "Diversity and Inclusiveness." CONCLUSIONS We find that Canadian MPH programs may lack course offerings addressing core competency categories relating to diversity and inclusiveness, communication, and leadership. Our findings were limited in scope as we relied on program Web sites; thus, further research should explore course content in more depth than this course description analysis allowed and identify ways to close the MPH curricular gaps we identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Apatu
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Drs Apatu, Piggott, Anderson, Alvarez, Dobbins, and Neil-Sztramko, Mr Sinnott, and Ms Harrison) and School of Nursing (Drs Dobbins and Neil-Sztramko), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Dr Butler-Jones); and National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools, Canada, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Dr Dobbins)
| | - Will Sinnott
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Drs Apatu, Piggott, Anderson, Alvarez, Dobbins, and Neil-Sztramko, Mr Sinnott, and Ms Harrison) and School of Nursing (Drs Dobbins and Neil-Sztramko), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Dr Butler-Jones); and National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools, Canada, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Dr Dobbins)
| | - Thomas Piggott
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Drs Apatu, Piggott, Anderson, Alvarez, Dobbins, and Neil-Sztramko, Mr Sinnott, and Ms Harrison) and School of Nursing (Drs Dobbins and Neil-Sztramko), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Dr Butler-Jones); and National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools, Canada, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Dr Dobbins)
| | - David Butler-Jones
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Drs Apatu, Piggott, Anderson, Alvarez, Dobbins, and Neil-Sztramko, Mr Sinnott, and Ms Harrison) and School of Nursing (Drs Dobbins and Neil-Sztramko), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Dr Butler-Jones); and National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools, Canada, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Dr Dobbins)
| | - Laura N. Anderson
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Drs Apatu, Piggott, Anderson, Alvarez, Dobbins, and Neil-Sztramko, Mr Sinnott, and Ms Harrison) and School of Nursing (Drs Dobbins and Neil-Sztramko), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Dr Butler-Jones); and National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools, Canada, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Dr Dobbins)
| | - Elizabeth Alvarez
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Drs Apatu, Piggott, Anderson, Alvarez, Dobbins, and Neil-Sztramko, Mr Sinnott, and Ms Harrison) and School of Nursing (Drs Dobbins and Neil-Sztramko), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Dr Butler-Jones); and National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools, Canada, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Dr Dobbins)
| | - Maureen Dobbins
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Drs Apatu, Piggott, Anderson, Alvarez, Dobbins, and Neil-Sztramko, Mr Sinnott, and Ms Harrison) and School of Nursing (Drs Dobbins and Neil-Sztramko), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Dr Butler-Jones); and National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools, Canada, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Dr Dobbins)
| | - Leila Harrison
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Drs Apatu, Piggott, Anderson, Alvarez, Dobbins, and Neil-Sztramko, Mr Sinnott, and Ms Harrison) and School of Nursing (Drs Dobbins and Neil-Sztramko), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Dr Butler-Jones); and National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools, Canada, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Dr Dobbins)
| | - Sarah E. Neil-Sztramko
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Drs Apatu, Piggott, Anderson, Alvarez, Dobbins, and Neil-Sztramko, Mr Sinnott, and Ms Harrison) and School of Nursing (Drs Dobbins and Neil-Sztramko), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Dr Butler-Jones); and National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools, Canada, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Dr Dobbins)
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Kost GJ, Zadran A, Zadran L, Ventura I. Point-Of-Care Testing Curriculum and Accreditation for Public Health-Enabling Preparedness, Response, and Higher Standards of Care at Points of Need. Front Public Health 2019; 6:385. [PMID: 30761282 PMCID: PMC6361824 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To develop awareness of benefits of point-of-care testing (POCT) education in schools of public health, to identify learning objectives for teaching POCT, to enable public health professionals and emergency responders to perform evidence-based diagnosis and triage effectively and efficiently at points of need, and to better improve future standards of care for public health practice, including in limited-resource settings and crisis situations. Methods: We surveyed all U.S. schools of public health, colleges of public health, and public health schools accredited by the Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH). We included accredited public health programs, so that all states offering public health education were represented. We analyzed survey data, public health books, and board certification guidelines. We used PubMed to identify public health curriculum papers, and assessed 2019 CEPH accreditation requirements. We merged POCT knowledge bases to design a new curriculum for teaching public health students and practitioners the principles and practice of POCT. Results: Public health curricula, certification requirements, and textbooks generally do not include POCT instruction. Only one book, Global Point of Care: Strategies for Disasters, Emergencies, and Public Health Resilience, and one online course on public health preparedness address POCT and public health intervention issues. The topic, POC HIV/HCV ED testing, appeared in one course and POC diagnostics in local clinics, in another. Papers on public health curriculum have not incorporated POCT. No curriculum addresses POCT in isolation units during quarantine, despite evidence that recent Ebola virus disease cases in the U.S. and elsewhere proved unequivocally the need for POCT. The modular learning objectives identified in this paper were customized for public health students. Public health graduates can use boot camps, online credentialing, and self-study to acquire POCT skills. Conclusions: Enhancing accreditation requirements, academic training, board certification, and field experience will generate public health healthcare professionals who will rely upon evidence-based medical decision making at points of care, including during crises when time is of the essence. A POCT-enabled public health workforce can help prevent and stop outbreaks. Public health-based medical professionals urgently need the skills necessary to perform POCT and prepare America and other nations for threats portending significant adverse medical, economic, social, and cultural impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald J Kost
- Point-of-Care Testing Center for Teaching and Research, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - A Zadran
- Point-of-Care Testing Center for Teaching and Research, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - L Zadran
- Point-of-Care Testing Center for Teaching and Research, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - I Ventura
- Point-of-Care Testing Center for Teaching and Research, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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