Online Program

Oral

The NCHEC presentation would be about the Health Education Specialist Practice Analysis which was completed in 2014. We would also lead discussions on how this impacts professional preparation programs and practitioners. Background: Meeting the accreditation standards of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the Health Education Specialist Practice Analysis (HESPA) was implemented to validate the contemporary practice of entry-level and experienced health education specialists. HESPA was launched by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) and Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE). Experts from Professional Examination Services (ProExam) spearheaded the analysis. Purpose: In this presentation, the 18-month process for the practice analysis will be described, and results will be highlighted. Methods: The HESPA process included 1) The 12-member HESPA Task Force developed a survey to assess the practice of health education specialists; 2) subject matter experts (SMEs) were interviewed about the current state of professional practice; 3) additional SMEs completed an email-based independent review; 4) the survey was pilot tested among 24 health education specialists; 5) health education specialists completed a final questionnaire, and 6) the Responsibilities, Competencies, and Sub-competencies were revised based on HESPA findings. Results: A new Framework of Responsibilities, Competencies, and Sub-competencies has been validated via the HESPA. Implications: HESPA results impact the health education professional preparation programs and professional development as well as CHES and MCHES certification exams. Furthermore, HESPA results impact faculty, researchers, and practitioners working in all settings.

Session Objectives: Describe the process used to develop the research questions for the Health Education Specialist Practice Analysis (HESPA). Identify strategies used to increase stakeholder participation. Summarize the results of the HESPA. Formulate the implications of the study for the profession.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)