Continuing-education needs of the currently employed public health education workforce

Objectives. This study examined the continuing-education needs of the curre ntly employed public health education workforce. Methods. A national consensus panel of leading health educators from public health agencies, academic institutions, and professional organizations was convened to examine the forces creating the context for the work of public health educators and the competencies they need to practice effectively. Results. Advocacy; business management and finance; communication; communit y health planning and development, coalition building, and leadership; comp uting and technology; cultural competency; evaluation; and strategic planni ng were identified as areas of critical competence. Conclusions. Continuing education must strengthen a broad range of critical competencies and skills if we are to ensure the further development and ef fectiveness of the public health education workforce.