Public health training and research competencies in 2015: a review of literature

Background The three Roman Schools of specialization on Public Health (PH), on behalf of the Roman Academy of Public Health (ARSP), started a project to provide a common training to their residents. The aim of this study was to define the educational needs and gaps of PH professionals through a review of the PH competencies worldwide. Methods A Literature search was performed. Moreover, relevant documents produced by PH training and teaching associations and core curricula of Masters in PH were retrieved. Web sites of international PH organizations have been investigated and relevant documents were collected. The competencies were then revised and supplemented in the light of the guidelines for programming teaching of Schools of Specialization in PH detailed in Italian Ministerial Decree 68/2015. Results Ten main areas, reflecting skill areas within PH, were identified: analytical and assessment area; policy development and program planning; communication; social determinants and health inequalities; health promotion at community dimension; public health sciences; financial planning and management; leadership, systems thinking and capacity building; prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases; environment, food and occupational health. For each area a set of skills, called core competencies, were delineated and listed. The core competencies are in agreement with the desirable skills for the broad practice of PH. The main gaps were referred to three domains: social determinants and health inequalities, communication, leadership, systems thinking and capacity building. Conclusions Common core competencies are useful to understand, assess, and meet training and workforce needs and also obtain a nationwide PH professional profile enhancing the role of PH in the European Community. However, we need to take into account the diversity of the health care systems and the social and economic trends among Countries. Key message Common and supranational public health professional profile is needed to guarantee cooperation among Countries and enhance the role of public health in Europe