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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Barbara L. Massoudi, MPH, PhD, Research Computing Division, RTI International, 2951 Flowers Road, Suite 119, Atlanta, GA 30341, 770-986-5062, bmassoudi@rti.org and Jay V. Schindler, MPH PhD, Public Health Division, Northrop Grumman Corporation, 3375 NE Expressway, Koger Center/Harvard Building, Atlanta, GA 30341.

Introduction: Public health informatics is a growing field that is transforming the way public health is practiced. There is an unprecedented need for timely access to information and more efficient communication. The systems focus of informatics is leading agencies to examine the processes central to their work. As the impact of this specialty area is recognized, the need for informaticians has increased. An expanding number of training programs are being developed to meet this demand. Most training focuses on educating public health professionals about technology. Little attention has been focused on educating technologists about public health. Methods: A twelve-week workplace training program on the principles of public health was developed for information technologists working as contractors at CDC. This program was offered several times over the past year and incorporated a web-based self-administered survey evaluation of the students' perceived learning and applicability to their current position. Results: More than 100 technologists have participated in the training. Results of the evaluation indicated that students' not only learned a great deal about public health, but their interest in pursuing additional training in public health was increased. They reported that the course stimulated their thinking and enhanced their ability to communicate with their public health customers. Discussion: Information technologists working in a public health setting felt that public health training was worthwhile and enhanced their job performance. The current demand for this training is exceeding the capability to deliver it. Conclusion: Public health training for technologists is a recommended strategy for educating informaticians.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the need for training in the emerging field of public health informatics.
• Develop a training program in the principles of public health for a workforce population.

Keywords: Public Health Informatics, Training

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? Yes

Organization	Clinical/Research Area	Type of Relationship
Northrop Grumman Corporation	Informatics Contractor	Employment (includes retainer)

Any company-sponsored training?	Yes
Did the company pay your travel and lodging?	No
Were you provide you with slides as part of the training sessions?	No
Did you receive an honorarium or consulting fee for participating in the training?	No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?	No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Recorded presentation