257178 Developing, Implementing and Evaluating Program Competencies in a Community Health MPH Program

Monday, October 29, 2012 : 10:32 AM - 10:44 AM

Douglas Bruce, PhD , Department of Health Sciences, Master of Public Health Program, DePaul University, Chicago, IL
Leah C. Neubauer, MA, EdD (c) , Master of Public Health Program; Department of Psychology, DePaul University, Chicago, IL
Kristin M. Jacobson, MPH , Master of Public Health Program, DePaul University, Chicago, IL
Gary W. Harper, PhD, MPH , Department of Psychology and MPH Program, DePaul University, Chicago, IL
     
This session will describe the development of program competencies and implementation of competency assessment and discuss results of student self-assessment in a community health practice MPH program. We developed a three-tier structure for competency assessment: (1) a set of competencies describing general expectations for masters-level competency in community public health practice; (2) a set of indicators delineating knowledge and skills that are necessary to meet each competency and are sufficient for describing the range of knowledge skills needed to meet each competency; and (3) sources of evidence that provide examples documenting student achievement regarding each knowledge and skill indicator. Consensus meetings comprised of affiliated faculty, community practitioners, and program alumni were conducted to review and revise competencies and indicators. A matrix was then developed to align course objectives with the indicators. Incoming students are first informed of the program competencies at orientation, at which time they complete a self-assessment of their perceived level of knowledge and skills in the competency areas. During their matriculation in the program, students develop electronic portfolios to demonstrate examples of learning outcomes and met competencies. Results of baseline student self-assessment and examples of learning outcomes will be discussed in the context of evaluation and future program planning.

Learning Areas:
Public health or related education

Learning Objectives:
*Describe process for development of competencies, indicators, and sources of evidence assessing MPH-level competency areas *Discuss results of student self-assessment of competencies *Discuss the role of electronic portfolios in organizing student learning outcomes

Keywords: Public Health Education, Competency

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I led the development, implementation, and evaluation of program competencies for our Master of Public Health program. I have over 10 years experience in the areas of competency assessment, and community-based efforts to define, measure, and improve program quality.
Any relevant financial relationships? 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.

Back to: 3100.0: Implementing and Evaluating Competency-Based Education in Public Health