Incorporating Systems Thinking Approaches Into Practice-Based Training to Strengthen Policy-Making Skills

To be successful in advancing public health goals, public health practitioners need to develop competencies associated with policy engagement, a core function of public health work. Theoretical public health policy-making frameworks help practitioners understand steps in the policy process but often fail to reflect on-the-ground realities. Systems thinking approaches are relevant in addressing these complex realities, but training that breaks down seemingly complex concepts and that is useful for practical application is limited. This article discusses how the Region 2 Public Health Training Center developed online practice-based training modules that integrate systems thinking strategies into public health policy making.