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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Kathi Traugh, MPH, Yale Center for Public Health Preparedness, Yale University, 2 Church Street South, Suite 314, New Haven, CT 06519, 203-764-9718, kathi.traugh@yale.edu and Kristin Sullivan, MA, Workforce and Professional Development Section, Connecticut Department of Public Health, 410-474 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06134.

Background and objectives: After 9/11, training of the public health workforce in emergency response was elevated to a top priority in Connecticut. In 2003-05, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) contracted with the Connecticut Partnership for Public Health Workforce Development (CT Partnership) to 1) develop an ongoing public health emergency response training plan, and 2) design and implement a systems-level evaluation methodology utilizing the TRAIN learning management system and other data sources. Course providers were required to utilize a standardized course evaluation tool and TRAIN for course management.

Methods: The systems-level evaluation strategy looked at four key areas: product count, audience participation, course evaluation and testing. A variety of data sources were used, including course provider reports, test results, course evaluations and data exported from TRAIN. A series of relational databases were constructed in MS Access. Data were exported to Geographical Information System (GIS) software. Data were also used to identify progress towards goals set in the statewide public health training plan.

Results: While training was available on a wide variety of topic and skill areas, audience participation in core training programs was below targets set in the training plan. Participation also varied by county and local health department type. There were measurable improvements in knowledge.

Conclusion: The systems-level evaluation proved a highly valuable tool in directing and managing statewide public health workforce training efforts and is being considered for other sectors, such as first responders

Learning Objectives: