266543 Results of an Online Survey of MCHES Experience Documentation Opprtunity (EDO) applicants

Wednesday, October 31, 2012 : 12:50 PM - 1:10 PM

Michael Perko, PhD, MCHES, FAAHE , Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
Blossom Paravattil, MPH, CHES , National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc., Whitehall, PA
Linda Lysoby, MS, MCHES , Executive Director, National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc, Whitehall, PA
Beth Chaney, PhD, MCHES , Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Melissa A. Rehrig, MPH, MCHES , National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc, Whitehall, PA
     
Title: Results of an Online Survey of MCHES EDO applicants

Background: In 2011, The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC), Inc established an advanced-level certification known as the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES). The first cohort of MCHES was conferred in April 2011 through and Experience Documentation Opportunity (EDO) process. The EDO was a onetime, 6-month opportunity for health education specialists holding the entry-level certification (Certified Health Education Specialist – CHES) for 5 or more continuous years, with active status, to submit documentation to verify practice at the advanced-level to become an MCHES. Purpose: The purpose of this presentation is to reveal the results of an online feedback survey of those MCHES EDO applicants. Methods: The survey was administered to retrospectively assess the perspective of recent applicants who applied for the MCHES certification through the EDO process. The 24- item online survey was sent to 819 individuals to provide an opportunity for applicants to assess the EDO process as an assessment mechanism for certification. The self-reported questionnaire inquired about the satisfaction of the communication of the process and the process itself. Also, demographic information, reasons for application, and time required to complete the MCHES EDO process were asked. Results: The survey results allow NCHEC to learn how well the MCHES EDO process was communicated to applicants. Also, the overall experience of MCHES EDO applicants will be disclosed.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Public health or related organizational policy, standards, or other guidelines

Learning Objectives:
Discuss the results of the online feedback survey of MCHES EDO applicants. Discuss the implications of the survey to assess the EDO process as an assessment mechanism for certification.

Keywords: Certification, Health Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the Certification Project Coordinator for the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. I oversee projects related to the new advanced-level credential the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES). I am also the liaison for the MCHES Experience Documentation Opportunity (EDO) research group.
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: 5207.0: A Historical and Significant Event in Health Education Certification: A Look at a Unique Process for Validating Practice