Evaluation of Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Programs in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

A Multi-Country Study

Bibliographic Data

ID22086228
AuthorsMohannad Al Nsour (0000-0003-1212-1611, Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network), Yousef Khader (0000-0002-7830-6857, Jordan University of Science and Technology, corresponding author), Haitham Bashier (0000-0002-9648-5473, Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network), Majd A Alsoukhni (Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network), Majd Alsoukhni
Year2021
Volume9
Pages684174-684174
Publication date2021-07-22
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2021.684174
PMID34368057
OpenAlexW3183690273
LanguageEN
Citations received10
References cited13

Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) are competency-based training programs aiming to strengthen the epidemiologic capacity of the public health workforce. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the advanced FETPs in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) and ascertain whether the expected objectives of the programs are met. A descriptive study was conducted based on Kirkpatrick's model for evaluating training programs. Data were collected from FETP graduates and FETP technical advisers on the practices of FETP graduates, their engagement in key areas of field epidemiology, and their perceived skills and capacity to perform such activities. A total of 166 FETP graduates responded to the online survey. Almost two-thirds of FETP graduates reported that they are often engaged in managing public health surveillance systems ( n = 119, 71.7%), analyzing the surveillance data ( n = 116, 69.9%), training public health professionals ( n = 113, 68.1%), investigations on and response to outbreaks ( n = 109, 65.7%), and managing staff and resources ( n = 106, 63.9%). However, only 28.3% reported that they are often engaged in writing scientific research articles. More than two-thirds of graduates reported that the FETP helped them to perform most of the field epidemiology activities and rate their skills as good. In conclusion, the FETP graduates in the EMR were well engaged in many field epidemiology activities including managing public health surveillance systems, surveillance data analysis, training public health professionals, and investigations on and response to outbreaks. Therefore, the FETPs should continue supporting the graduates to work toward strengthening surveillance systems and investigating outbreaks and to participate in regional and global efforts as part of the Global Health Security

Environmental health · Family medicine · Medical education · Political science · Public health · Workforce · Workforce development · Disaster Response and Management · Medicine · Nursing · Public Health Policies and Education · Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research · Epidemiology