Evidence-based knowledge translation: A University-Community Partnership for Graduate Training in Maternal and Child Health

Issues: Populations in isolated Indian Health Service regions and Appalachian counties have disproportionately worse MCH outcomes than national averages.  Targeted, culturally appropriate, and competency-based training of maternal and child health professionals who serve these remote, rural, and underserved communities is of critical importance given the implications for reduction of health disparities in maternal and child health.

Description: To address the gaps in current training and continuing education of health professionals that is provided on on-site university campuses, Universities of Arizona, University of Kentucky,  United Southern Tribes (USET), and the Indian Health Services(IHS) developed and implemented a 15-unit, Graduate Certificate Program in MCH Epidemiology that was offered completely online.

Lessons Learned: (i) The on-site programs cannot accommodate people who cannot commit to face-to-face learning that takes time away from their work and families. (ii) The on-line structure increased the capacity in MCH workers serving in rural, isolated, and underserved regions.  (iii) It is possible for multiple universities and community organizations to form a partnership to provide a joint accredited training that do not duplicate resources. (iv) Internet delivery is suitable for competency-based training that compares favorably with face-to-face classroom experience.

Recommendations: To increase national impact and efficiency, universities should collaborate in efforts to address the workforce development needs of the nation and focus on the circumstances of individuals who work in remote, rural, and isolated settings. Further, online training programs for working professionals should have inbuilt, flexible mechanisms to accommodate professionals, family situations and emergencies.