Stakeholder Perspectives on the Learning Model and Skills Application in a Pacific Field Epidemiology Training...

The Pacific Island Health Officers Association supports health workforce capacity building in the United States-Affiliated Pacific Islands by implementing a Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) called Strengthening Health Interventions in the Pacific (SHIP). This study presents a secondary analysis of survey and interview data from a 2023 mixed-methods external evaluation to identify and examine stakeholder perspectives on the program. Quantitative survey data from 83 respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics, with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests used to compare retrospective self-assessed proficiency ratings. Qualitative data from 52 key informant interviews and open-ended survey responses were analyzed using thematic coding. Analysis identified 6 themes grouped within 2 domains: the SHIP learning model and participant skills development and application. Stakeholders identified workplace-based learning, academic accreditation, inclusion of non-communicable disease epidemiology, and support from supervisors and instructors as important features of the learning model. Survey respondents reported high satisfaction with the program, frequent application of SHIP-acquired skills in routine public health practice and outbreak response, and significant improvements in retrospective self-assessed proficiency across all competencies (P<.001). Because competency ratings were retrospective self-assessments, the findings reflect perceived rather than objectively measured improvements in proficiency. Nevertheless, the consistency of the quantitative and qualitative findings suggests that FETPs may benefit from aligning training with workplace responsibilities, incorporating local disease priorities into the curriculum, providing recognized academic accreditation, and investing in strong instructional and supervisory support. The model may offer lessons for strengthening epidemiology capacity in small island jurisdictions and other resource-constrained public health settings.