Analysis of Data Methods and Taxonomies Used to Assess the Public Health Workforce in the U.S

The University of Michigan led the creation of the Public Health Workforce Taxonomy for Enumeration with support from CDC. The taxonomy consists of 12 axes, each focusing on a different category for describing public health workers. ASPE contracted with NORC to conduct a study to examine the utility of this taxonomy as a tool for enumerating the workforce. Methods include an environmental scan of public health enumeration efforts, qualitative data collection through three stakeholder focus groups, and an analysis of text responses for respondents indicating “Other” on taxonomy based questions in the Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey. Participants providing feedback on the taxonomy included HR and Workforce Development Directors and representatives from ASTHO affiliated organizations.

Overall, the taxonomy accurately describes the public health workforce; however, many participants provided specific recommendations regarding missing categories under each axis. Both HR Directors and affiliate representatives were open to incorporating the taxonomy into their current data systems, but identified that modifications were needed for adoption to be feasible. For example, participants indicated that staff would be difficult to categorize because workers fit into multiple categories due to overlapping job responsibilities. Respondents agreed that guidance (e.g., crosswalks or definitions) would be helpful and necessary to ensure consistency across health departments and organizations. This study has shown the potential of the taxonomy for harmonizing data collection efforts and for enumerating and describing the public health workforce. With some modifications and supplemental materials, the taxonomy could be an effective reference for future data collection, promoting consistency across the field.