The United Kingdom Field Epidemiology Training Programme: meeting programme objectives.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Training and Education

Background:

• Traditional evaluations of Field Epidemiology Training Programmes (FETP) often focus on process measures.
• Stakeholders require evidence of the impact and effectiveness of FETP initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if the United Kingdom (UK) FETP achieved its objectives.
• Objectives included strengthening national epidemiology capacity, developing skilled epidemiologists, and enhancing the profile of field epidemiology.

Main Methods:

• The evaluation employed a mixed-methods approach.
• Data collection involved focus groups with training staff, interviews with stakeholders, and an online survey of FETP fellows and graduates.

Main Results:

• Three key themes emerged: confidence, application, and rigour.
• The FETP was perceived to enhance the skilled epidemiology workforce, boost stakeholder confidence, and see graduates applying learning in practice.
• Graduates introduced innovations and supported service improvements, demonstrating rigour and contributing to skill maintenance.

Conclusions:

• The UK FETP successfully met its stated objectives.
• The program demonstrated wider organizational impact beyond its primary goals.
• FETPs should prospectively collect data on their influence on field epidemiology practice for continuous improvement.