Presentation on Behalf of the European Association of Schools of Public
Health (ASPHER)
The Canadian Public Health Association Conference, Toronto Canada, May 29 2014
Ardita Kongjonaj MPH
Undergraduate Education in Public Health in the
European Region
Outline
1. Background literature2. Case for Action3. Study Objectives4. Methodology5. Results6. Limitations7. Conclusion8. Recommendation9. References
Development of Undergraduate Education in
Public HealthPurpose: to increase access to higher
education and expand workforce in PHAPHA in US calls for expansion of
undergraduate education in PHEU Region – developing masters and
bachelor trainingLow/medium income countries need
undergraduate training of PH workforceIncrease opportunities for jobs and
advancement in the health sector
WHO - PH Education
Health workforce development to produce sufficient numbers of skilled workers
The quantity, administration and contents of education and training is a matter of national importance in each country
Quality assurance is a collective responsibility
of the academic community, health systems, regulatory authorities and governments.
ASPHER: Association of Schools of Public Health in European Region
The voice of PH education in EU Region
• The key independent European Regional organization dedicated to strengthening the role of public health by
- Promotes improving education standards and
- Training of PH professionals • Advocates advancing and fostering PH
policies
ASPHER Members
ASPHER
• Strengthens PH schools and programs and improves global health by:
- Fostering quality education and practice-based training for the next generation of public health workers
- Promoting PH as a career option• Monitoring trends relevant to PH
education• Facilitating collaborations across
schools and programs
Case for Action
The creation of Schools of Public Health in EU Region has been a major achievement in the PH education
PH bachelor programs portray experiences and provide valuable recommendations, as well as pave the way for students
Study Objectives
To create and disseminate knowledge about current and best practices among public health bachelor degree
To ascertain collaboration initiatives on bachelor programs
To generate knowledge on career progression and employability resources for graduates; and
To define core competencies for bachelor graduates to foster employability and further education
Important Areas of Investigation:
Academic curricula (including aims, qualifications, contents and structure)
Academic support training [e.g: transferable skills]
Pedagogical approach Academic training and support for UG
Public Health lecturers Career progression
Methodology
Study design: Cross – sectional survey in the period Feb-April 2014Survey instrument: Web based questionnaire - delivered to each members of ASPHER by email; reminders by email and phone calls Study population:The list of 101 ASPHER members and their e-mail addresses extracted from ASPHER records
Main Results
25/56 (44.6%) provide Bachelor Programs- 12/25 (48%) BSc degree
1994 – is the first year when two Public Health Bachelor programs have been established
18/25 (72%) provide the program in their national language and the same % is delivered on Campus based
Requirements for admission
The average students (%) who completed the program in last 5 years (22 schools)
Results cont’
11/22 (50%) invite 5 or less external experts
4 schools reported to have up to 25 PhD faculty members
17/22 (30.4 %) have collaboration structures within the University
Employment after graduation
Limitations
51 % response rate
Exploratory
Need detailed curriculum
Student follow-up after graduation
Recommendations
The final and main output will be Recommended Core Curriculum in Public Health
Cohesive and integrative definition of the core knowledge and competencies of Public Health practitioners trained at bachelor level
Promote bachelors education programs in EU Region and internationally as per the definition of both education provides and potential employers and national health system
Potential accreditation endorsed by APHEA (European Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation)
References
http://www.aspher.orghttp://www.asph.org/index.cfmhttp://www.euro.who.int/en/health-
topics/Health-systems/health-workforcehttp://www.aphea.net/http://www.aphea.net/assets/files/
aphea_eligibilitycriteria_mph-programmes_nov2012.pdf
THANK YOU
