The MCH navigator: tools for MCH workforce development and lifelong learning

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Workforce Development

Background:

• Maternal and child health (MCH) leadership necessitates expertise in MCH populations, systems, and continuous skill enhancement.
• A need exists for accessible, organized educational resources to support the diverse MCH workforce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development, structure, and implementation of the MCH Navigator, a web-based portal for MCH professional education.
• To curate and organize high-quality, free online learning opportunities aligned with MCH competencies and job responsibilities.

Main Methods:

• Developed a conceptual model based on MCH Leadership Competencies, Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals, and MCH job roles.
• Conducted a multi-step review process to select valuable learning opportunities from scattered resources.
• Organized 248 learning opportunities and supporting tools within the MCH Navigator portal.

Main Results:

• The MCH Navigator is widely utilized and valued by state and local MCH professionals and programs.
• The portal supports individual professional development and fosters an organizational culture of continuous learning.
• Users employ the Navigator for staff orientation, just-in-time training, professional development planning, and supplementing coursework.

Conclusions:

• The MCH Navigator effectively provides ongoing education and training for the MCH workforce.
• Sustained partnerships with MCH professionals and academic communities are crucial for the Navigator's continued impact and quality.
• The portal promotes both individual growth and a collective commitment to continuous learning in MCH.