Developing Workforce Capacity in Public Health Informatics: Core Competencies and Curriculum Design

Area of Science:

• Public Health Informatics
• Health Information Systems
• Population Health Management

Background:

• Effective public health decision-making relies on robust information management for threat response and health promotion.
• The public health workforce requires specialized informatics competencies to design and implement critical information systems.
• There is a growing need for academic institutions to develop training programs in public health informatics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a master's level curriculum in Public Health Informatics (PHI).
• To prepare public health informaticians with competencies for designing information systems that enhance population health.
• To support the development of a skilled workforce capable of leveraging health information technology.

Main Methods:

• The curriculum design integrates competencies from computer science, information science, and organizational science.
• A pilot program was conducted to evaluate the proposed PHI curriculum.
• Competencies focus on collaborative design and development of information systems for public health.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive curriculum for a Master's and Certificate in Public Health Informatics was developed.
• A pilot PHI program demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed training.
• The curriculum successfully imparted necessary competencies for public health informatics professionals.

Conclusions:

• Master's level PHI training is essential for developing a competent public health workforce.
• PHI programs enable professionals to design and implement information systems crucial for population health improvement.
• Academic institutions must prioritize and implement PHI workforce training to advance public health goals.