PANEL 1 - Assessing Information Needs of the PH Workforce Public Health Outreach Forum National Library of Medicine Lister Hill Auditorium Bethesda, Maryland Jocelyn Rankin, CDC - Leader Vivian Auld, NLM - Recorder

1.What methods are the most useful in identifying PH workforce information and training needs? Structured Focus Groups –Composed of cross section of PH field Survey –Self reported less effective –Dependent on information needed –Web-based surveys are too difficult for PH Advisory Panel - long term arrangement –Previous project outcomes

1.What methods are the most useful in identifying PH workforce information and training needs? Direct observation of PH professionals in order to evaluate needs (Randy Miller) In General –Questions should be concrete to give people more confidence in answering –Ongoing over time, keep asking

Information seeking behaviors and skills (model) Accessibility to libraries and information resources –Improving infrastructure –Improving knowledge of available resources Address variability of Internet skills 2.What skills and behaviors are we expecting to affect? What baseline measures are needed to detect changes?

Learning to find answers to questions rather than accessing “the literature” or using specific resources How to filter the over abundance of available information Learning to use data warehouses and local data sources 2.What skills and behaviors are we expecting to affect? What baseline measures are needed to detect changes?

Needs are variable between groups. Don’t assume all groups’ needs will be the same. System and hierarchy often inhibit transfer of information to all areas Groups in need of training may not be receptive and open to training - may not understand why the information is valuable. Self selected audiences are more receptive. Some computer phobia 3.What do we know about information-related training needs in PH? How can this be used to improve training delivered in outreach?

Under connected populations - connectivity and computers are not always available –Regularly publicize minimum standards for computers in advance of budget cycles –Make purchasing appropriate computers a requirement –For those without appropriate computer equipment and connections, ensure they are well versed in use of alternate means of accessing information 3.What do we know about information-related training needs in PH? How can this be used to improve training delivered in outreach?

Access to evidence-based PH literature Need to consider “do it for them” model 3.What do we know about information-related training needs in PH? How can this be used to improve training delivered in outreach?

Accessing regulations Use of laptops in the field - what is needed on these systems Coordination of resources within communities to facilitate finding answers On-site technical assistance is needed Differences between state and local health department needs 4. Can we identify elements of public health job functions or work environments that affect information needs? If so, can this be used to target outreach more effectively?