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1. BASIC PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENCES SKILLS

A. Understands the global nature and ecological model of public health and the concepts of population as the unit of measurement of public health and prevention of chronic and infectious diseases and injuries.

B. Identifies the individual’s and organization’s responsibilities within the context of the three core functions and ten essential services of public health.

C. Understands/articulates the purpose, values, philosophy and historical development, structure and interaction of public health and health care systems.

D. Defines, assesses and understands the health status of populations, determinants of health and illness, factors contributing to health promotion and disease prevention and factors influencing the use of health services.

E. Applies the basic public health sciences including behavioral and social sciences, biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental/occupational health and health services administration.

F. Identifies, critically appraises public health research and understands the limitations of research and the importance of observations and interrelationships.

G. Understands systems thinking (i.e. the ability to recognize dynamic interactions among human and social systems and how they affect the relationships among individuals, groups, organizations and communities) for resolving organizational problems and community public health issues.

H. Explain the role of biology in the ecological model of population-based health.

I. Recognize that biological, chemical, and physical agents affect human health.


2. ANALYTIC/ASSESSMENT/INFORMATICS SKILLS

A. Defines a problem in multidimensional terms.

B. Determines appropriate uses and limitations of both quantitative and qualitative data.

C. Selects and defines variables relevant to defined public health problems.

D. Identifies/determines relevant and appropriate data and computerized information sources.

E. Makes relevant inferences from quantitative and qualitative data.

F. Obtains and interprets information regarding risks and benefits to the community.

G. Describes important features of and management of information systems for data collection, retrieval and use of data for decision making.


3. COMMUNICATION SKILLS

A. Communicates effectively with individuals and groups using a variety of communication methods and techniques.

B. Solicits input from individuals and organizations.

C. Uses the media, advanced technologies and community networks to communicate information.

D. Effectively presents accurate demographic, statistical, programmatic and scientific information for professional and lay audiences.


4. EVALUATION/APPLIED RESEARCH SKILLS

A. Participates/designs, initiates and undertakes evaluation of public health programs.

B. Implements appropriate qualitative and quantitative evaluation techniques.

C. Identifies and applies fundamental research skills in public health.


5. PLANNING SKILLS

A. Demonstrates understanding of community assets and resources.

B. Understands and is able to apply the rational planning cycle which includes assessment, setting objectives, selection of intervention/programming, monitoring and evaluation.


6. COMMUNITY DIMENSIONS OF PRACTICE SKILLS

A. Identifies, establishes and maintains linkages with key stakeholders including professionals, frontline staff and lay individuals.

B. Identifies/understands different levels of community engagement and participation, i.e. networking, partnerships, cooperation and collaboration.

C. Utilizes leadership, teambuilding, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills to build community engagement and partnerships.

D. Develops, implements, and evaluates a community public health assessment.


7. CULTURAL COMPETENCY SKILLS

A. Utilizes appropriate methods for interacting sensitively, effectively and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic and professional backgrounds and persons of all ages and lifestyle.

B. Identifies the role of cultural, social and behavioral factors in determining the delivery of public health services.

C. Develops and adapts approaches to problems that take into account cultural differences.

D. Actively listens to others in an unbiased manner, respects points of view of others and promotes the expression of diverse opinions and perspectives.


8. LEADERSHIP/PROFESSIONALISM/ADVANCING SKILLS

A. Creates a culture of ethical standards within organizations and communities.

B. Helps create key values and shared vision and models these principles to guide action.

C. Identifies internal and external issues that may impact public health.

D. Facilitates collaboration with internal and external groups to ensure participation of key stakeholders.

E. Promotes team and organizational learning.

F. Contributes to development, implementation and monitoring of organizational performance standards.

G. Uses the legal and political systems to effect change.

H. Utilizes a variety of methods of self assessment for professional growth.


9. MANAGEMENT/ADMINISTRATION/BUDGETING SKILLS

A. Applies financial and management processes including proposing budget priorities, developing and implementing budget proposals within the constraints of available resources.

B. Prepares proposals for funding from external sources.

C. Applies basic human relation skills to the management of organizations, motivation of personnel, and resolution of conflicts.

D. Applies principles of social marketing to public health.


10. ETHICS SKILLS

A. Identifies, collects, summarizes, and interprets information relevant to ethical issues pertaining to public health.

B. Demonstrates ethical decision-making.

C. Demonstrates knowledge and implements principles from the public health code of ethics.

D. Describes the legal and ethical bases for public health and public health services.


11. POLICY DEVELOPMENT/ADVOCACY/PUBLIC HEALTH LAW SKILLS

A. Recognizes, interprets and implements public health laws, regulations, and policies related to specific programs.

B. Identifies components of the external environment that affect health policy development.

C. Advocates that basic resources and conditions necessary for health are accessible to all.

D. Develops a plan to implement policy, including goals, outcome and process objectives and implementation steps.

E. Uses evaluation findings in policy analysis and development.

F. Describes the role of government in public health services.

G. Identifies policy to ensure community health, safety and preparedness.

H. Understands the policy process to achieve improvements of health status of populations.

I. Apply evidence-based biological and molecular principles to establish public health laws, policies, and regulations.

References:

Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals A Project of the Council on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practice

http://www.trainingfinder.org/competencies/list_levels.htm

http://www.nchec.org/aboutnchec/rc.htm#5

http://www.phls.org/docs/PHLSposter.pdf

ASPH Education Committee Core Competency Development Project (Draft Core Competencies for Health Policy and Management for all MPH Graduates) http://www.asph.org/UserFiles/Main%2022.pdf