The Epidemiology and Costs of Disease Intervention Specialist Retention

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the environment in which disease intervention specialists (DISs) operate, as their skills were in demand beyond sexually transmitted disease (STD) control programs. Workforce conditions generally have changed in the last 2 years, imposing additional challenges. Retaining STD DIS has become more difficult in the changed environment.

We conducted a landscape scan and obtained data from literature and personal observations to characterize current DIS workforce issues. We used published employment data to characterize current labor market conditions and described how cost-effectiveness analysis could be used to assess potential DIS retention interventions. An example illustrating cost-effectiveness concepts was developed.

Many STD control programs faced difficulties in retaining STD DIS, because competing positions often could be done without field work. Economic and crime issues posed additional challenges. General workforce turnover has increased 33% since 2016. Turnover varies by age, sex, and education. Cost-effectiveness analysis can be used to assess DIS retention interventions, but data on costs and outcomes are needed on an ongoing basis. Changes in the workforce environment could impact both retention and the effectiveness of retention interventions.

Workforce changes have impacted employee retention. Increased federal funding makes expansion of the DIS workforce possible, but the labor market environment will continue to pose challenges to recruitment and retention.