Priority indicators for evaluating the impact of field epidemiology training programs – results of a global modified Delphi study
Abstract Background Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) aim to develop a skilled public health workforce through applied competency-based learning. With 98 programs globally and over 20,000 graduates, these programs play a crucial role in disease preparedness and response activities around...
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BMC
2025-02-01
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| Series: | BMC Public Health |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21816-2 |
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| author | James A. Flint Tambri Housen Martyn D. Kirk David N. Durrheim |
| author_facet | James A. Flint Tambri Housen Martyn D. Kirk David N. Durrheim |
| author_sort | James A. Flint |
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| description | Abstract Background Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) aim to develop a skilled public health workforce through applied competency-based learning. With 98 programs globally and over 20,000 graduates, these programs play a crucial role in disease preparedness and response activities around the world. Despite their importance, there have been few published evaluations. This paper presents the results of a consensus-building process to develop a preferred array of indicators for evaluating the outputs, outcomes, and impacts of FETPs. Methods We conducted a modified Delphi study to reach consensus on preferred evaluation indicators for FETPs. An initial list of evaluation indicators were identified from literature reviews and consultations with impact evaluation experts and FETP professionals. A modified Delphi process was subsequently employed, involving two rounds of surveys and a final expert review meeting, to reach consensus on indicators. The Delphi panel included 23 experts representing diverse global regions and FETP roles. Results Consensus was reached to include 134 evaluation indicators in the final impact evaluation framework. These indicators were grouped as output, outcome, and impact indicators. Conclusions This study presents the first FETP impact evaluation framework with a comprehensive list of evaluation indicators for FETPs. This list of indicators is intended as a resource to promote and enhance the evaluation of FETPs and thus improve these important training programs which aim to strengthen national, regional and global health security. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-5d8e9bc865c24349936e7e4fdac30d64 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1471-2458 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
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| series | BMC Public Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-5d8e9bc865c24349936e7e4fdac30d642025-08-20T02:15:12ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582025-02-012511910.1186/s12889-025-21816-2Priority indicators for evaluating the impact of field epidemiology training programs – results of a global modified Delphi studyJames A. Flint0Tambri Housen1Martyn D. Kirk2David N. Durrheim3University of NewcastleUniversity of NewcastleAustralian National UniversityUniversity of NewcastleAbstract Background Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) aim to develop a skilled public health workforce through applied competency-based learning. With 98 programs globally and over 20,000 graduates, these programs play a crucial role in disease preparedness and response activities around the world. Despite their importance, there have been few published evaluations. This paper presents the results of a consensus-building process to develop a preferred array of indicators for evaluating the outputs, outcomes, and impacts of FETPs. Methods We conducted a modified Delphi study to reach consensus on preferred evaluation indicators for FETPs. An initial list of evaluation indicators were identified from literature reviews and consultations with impact evaluation experts and FETP professionals. A modified Delphi process was subsequently employed, involving two rounds of surveys and a final expert review meeting, to reach consensus on indicators. The Delphi panel included 23 experts representing diverse global regions and FETP roles. Results Consensus was reached to include 134 evaluation indicators in the final impact evaluation framework. These indicators were grouped as output, outcome, and impact indicators. Conclusions This study presents the first FETP impact evaluation framework with a comprehensive list of evaluation indicators for FETPs. This list of indicators is intended as a resource to promote and enhance the evaluation of FETPs and thus improve these important training programs which aim to strengthen national, regional and global health security.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21816-2Field epidemiology training programsImpact evaluationDelphi methodPublic health workforceTraining indicators |
| spellingShingle | James A. Flint Tambri Housen Martyn D. Kirk David N. Durrheim Priority indicators for evaluating the impact of field epidemiology training programs – results of a global modified Delphi study BMC Public Health Field epidemiology training programs Impact evaluation Delphi method Public health workforce Training indicators |
| title | Priority indicators for evaluating the impact of field epidemiology training programs – results of a global modified Delphi study |
| title_full | Priority indicators for evaluating the impact of field epidemiology training programs – results of a global modified Delphi study |
| title_fullStr | Priority indicators for evaluating the impact of field epidemiology training programs – results of a global modified Delphi study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Priority indicators for evaluating the impact of field epidemiology training programs – results of a global modified Delphi study |
| title_short | Priority indicators for evaluating the impact of field epidemiology training programs – results of a global modified Delphi study |
| title_sort | priority indicators for evaluating the impact of field epidemiology training programs results of a global modified delphi study |
| topic | Field epidemiology training programs Impact evaluation Delphi method Public health workforce Training indicators |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21816-2 |
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