WORKFORCE
APHL Performs Needs Assessment for
the Next Generation
by Catherine Johnson, director, Training & Workforce Development
In 2018, APHL conducted an online
needs assessment survey and a targeted
focus group activity to identify broad
categories of training topics and gather
information to help plan for future
training development. APHL members,
non-members, public health training
partners and associated clinical
laboratories were invited to participate to
obtain an overall perspective of training
gaps in the public health laboratory
community of practice.
Viewed from the dual perspectives of
supervisory personnel and individual
participants, the analysis of the
assessment data provides specific, current
job-related training needs as expressed by
respondents.
Based on survey and focus group data, the
following recommendations are suggested
to support the public health laboratory
workforce:
• Collaborate with CDC’s CSELS/DLS/
Training and Workforce Development
Branch in the analysis of quality of
current training activities
• Create tools for laboratory
management to conduct a gap
analysis of training activities
available for laboratory staff
• Prioritize the development of
laboratory training activities to align
with emerging technologies, new
industry methodology and developing
technology
• Develop 10-15 minute training modules
on one topic that can become part of a
series
• Develop training that incorporates
problem-based and scenario-based
content
• Gather additional data through focus
groups and other deep dive inquiries
to identify content-specific needs from
the top five lists generated in the needs
assessment
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LAB MATTERS Fall 2019
The recommendations are by no means
all-inclusive of appropriate possible
actions. However, this analysis supports
implementing these recommendations
as a positive step towards improving a
range of skills for laboratorians. These
recommendations can also influence
individual career decisions in public
health laboratories.
One of the next phases in the data
analysis will look at the quality and value
of APHL training.
Top Five Scientific/
Technical Training Needs
topics identified:
➊ Bioinformatics—Application in public
health laboratory
➋ Bioinformatics—Data analysis
➌ Molecular Diagnostics—Sequencing
technology and instrumentation
(next-generation sequencing, whole
genome sequencing)
➍ Laboratory Standards and Guidelines—
The APHL Training and Workforce
Development Program would like to
thank CDC’s Center for Surveillance,
Epidemiology and Laboratory Services/
Division of Laboratory Systems/ Training
and Workforce Branch (CSELS/DLS/TWDB)
for their generous support of this needs
assessment project. n
DIGITAL EXTRA:
To view the full reports, visit 2018 Training
Needs Assessment Survey and Report and
the 2018 Training Needs Assessment Focus
Groups Report
Regulations that affect laboratory practice
(e.g., HIPAA, CLIA, EPA)
➎ Laboratory Science and Practice
Fundamentals—Quality control/
Quality assurance
Top Five Leadership &
Management Training Needs
topics identified:
➊ Personnel—Effective communication
➋ Personnel—Team building
➌ Conflict resolution
➍ Scientific ethics
➎ C ommunication Techniques—
Presentation skills
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