Abstract
Context: Epidemiologists are key professionals within the public health workforce. As the role of public health agencies changes over time, epidemiologists will need to adapt and develop new skill sets to work in emerging areas of (public health) practice (EAoPs), which are areas of practice that are new or are growing in interest and use.
Objective: This mixed-methods research study sought to explore the role and readiness of state health department epidemiologists in the United States to work in EAoPs.
Design: Three phases of data collection and analysis were conducted including secondary analysis of the Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey, a survey of the designated state epidemiologist in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and focus groups with early-, mid-, and senior-career epidemiologists working in state health departments.
Setting: Fifty state health departments and the District of Columbia.
Participants: Epidemiologists working in state health departments.
Main Outcome Measures: Identification of EAoPs relevant to epidemiologists, the role of epidemiologists in these EAoPs, and readiness of epidemiologists to work in EAoPs.
Results: Participant state health department epidemiologists indicated that the studied EAoPs were important to their work and that epidemiologists have some role in them. Key facilitators identified to working in EAoPs included supportive organizational strategy and leadership, dedicated time for training and work, cross-training across programs, and the development of crosscutting skills.
Conclusions: There is much opportunity for epidemiologists to be more engaged in current EAoPs. Not only can epidemiologists supply relevant data but they can also bring skills and expertise to help improve the overall success of population health improvement work. Workforce development strategies should be implemented to ensure a nimble epidemiology workforce that can readily adapt to the needs of future public health practice.