The EDIC Method: An Engaging and Comprehensive Approach for Creating Health Department Workforce Development Plans

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Workforce Development
• Training Needs Assessment

Background:

• The Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, Division of Public Health partnered with the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health.
• A comprehensive approach was needed to assess workforce training requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a method for assessing education and training needs of public health staff.
• To develop comprehensive workforce development plans addressing identified needs.

Main Methods:

• The EDIC (Engage, Develop, Identify, Create) method was developed, comprising four phases.
• Phases include: Engage Stakeholders, Develop Assessment, Identify Training Needs, and Create Development Plans.

Main Results:

• The EDIC method provided a science- and practice-grounded process.
• It facilitated staff input and buy-in across all levels of the Division of Public Health.
• The process increases assurance of identifying critical skill and competency gaps.

Conclusions:

• The EDIC method offers a robust framework for assessing and addressing public health workforce training needs.
• This comprehensive approach is replicable at state and local levels nationwide.