Obstacles, Challenges and Success in Defining and Measuring Epidemiology Capacity

CSTE has attempted to define characteristics of state epidemiology capacity through its ECA tool since 1997. A key component in epidemiology capacity is the quantity and quality (skill set) of the workforce performing this function. In a 2008 partnership meeting on public health workforce research, sponsored by the CDC, improving the quantitative definition of public health capacity emerged as an important area for further research and development. CSTE and CDC convened an Expert Panel comprised of epidemiologists, public health workforce development experts, public health leaders and economists to evaluate current capacity measurement methodologies and consider applying these to future ECA studies.

The expert panel reviewed capacity models from academia; developed a conceptual model of factors influencing epidemiology capacity and outputs; identified opportunities for improved factor definition and measurement. The expert panel will continue to work with CSTE on defining measurable units of performance for epidemiology which can be gathered through ECA.

The ability to measure epidemiology capacity and identify potential gaps associated with health outcomes is imperative for public health to increase efficacy.

Future activities for the DEC include: developing a more quantifiable model, defining a measurable service unit of performance for epidemiology, and drawing connections between epidemiology capacity and health outcomes. The discussion of the work already completed and next steps will enhance the audience's knowledge capacity tools, strategies for quantifying epidemiology capacity and understanding the challenges that face this type of effort.