Quality improvement training for state public health practitioners: Outcomes on work practices

As part of Michigan's work under the CDC Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure for Improved Health Outcomes Project (a National Public Health Improvement Initiative),the Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI), in partnership with the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Performance Improvement Manager, developed and implemented training activities for State public health staff in the MDCH Public Health Administration (PHA). Building on the successful model MPHI used with local level public health practitioners during the five-year Multi-state Learning Collaborative, MPHI engaged both managers and staff through orientation activities to increase awareness and gain buy-in of both groups. Following this, MDCH staff submitted QI project ideas, and MPHI selected three for implementation. MPHI provided just-in-time training as teams progressed through their QI training. To better understand the success of the training activities and its effects, MPHI conducted a survey with PHA staff at the outset of the project, and again following the conclusion of training activities. Survey results show the changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that occurred as a result of participation in training activities. Additional evaluation efforts also examined outcomes related to delivery and impact of public health services that resulted from the QI projects.