This category describes the Core Competencies needed to effectively choose options, and to plan, implement and evaluate policies and/or programs in public health. This includes the management of incidents such as outbreaks and emergencies.
Competencies:
- Describe selected policy and program options to address a specific public health issue.
- Describe the implications of each option, especially as they apply to the determinants of health, and recommend or decide on a course of action.
- Develop a plan to implement a course of action taking into account relevant evidence, legislation, emergency planning procedures, regulations and policies.
- Implement a policy or program and/or take appropriate action to address a specific public health issue.
- Demonstrate the ability to implement effective practice guidelines.
- Evaluate the action, policy or program.
- Demonstrate an ability to set and follow priorities, and to maximize outcomes based on available resources.
- Demonstrate the ability to fulfill functional roles in response to a public health emergency.
Describe Selected Policy and Program Options to Address a Specific Public Health Issue and Describe the Implications of Each Option, especially as they Apply to the Determinants of Health, and Recommend or Decide on a Course of Action
- Online University course. Introduction to health impact assessment The purpose of this 8-week course is to increase people’s competencies in leading health impact assessments in public policy while engaging across sectors. National Collaborating Centre for Healthy Public Policy (NCCHPP), Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Massé, R.
- Tools and approaches for assessing and supporting public health action on the social determinants of health and health equity This collaborative project by National Collaborating Centre for the Determinants of Health (NCCDH) and National Collaborating Centre for Healthy Public Policy (NCCHPP) outlines various equity-focused tools and approaches used in Canada and internationally. Mendell, Dyck, Ndumbe-Eyoh & Morrison.
- 10 promising practices to guide local public health practice to reduce social inequities in health. Technical briefing This literature review identifies ten promising practices that local public health staff can undertake to address health inequities. Sudbury & District Health Unit.
Develop a Plan to Implement a Course of Action taking into account Relevant Evidence, Legislation, Emergency Planning Procedures, Regulations and Policies
- Online Health program planner 2.0 This web-based resource provides online tools for various steps of program planning.The website also includes a business case creator and various tools for project management, including budgets and work plans. The Health Communication Unit (THCU) Public Health Ontario and National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools.
- Public policy models and their usefulness in public health: The stages model This document simplifies the complex process of public policy development with a step by step approach. National Collaborating Centre for Healthy Public Policy.
- Planning public health programs. information and tools. PHAC Best Practices Portal This website provides links to Canadian tools and information corresponding to each planning phase.
- The health planner’s toolkit This health planner’s toolkit has seven modules. The planning process, assessing need, evidence-based planning, understanding integration, community engagement and communication, evaluation, and priority setting. Ontario Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care.
Implement a Policy or Program and/or take Appropriate Action to Address a Specific Public Health Issue
- Implementing the population health approach This website outlines implementation strategies in population health. Public Health Agency of Canada.
- Multiple intervention programs modules These modules are intended to assist public health staff with designing and evaluating multiple intervention programs. Modules include. conducting a socio-ecological assessment, identifying intervention options, optimizing impact, and evaluation. Examples and activities are also provided. University of Ottawa and Ontario Ministry of Health.
- Tobacco and public health: From theory to practice An award-winning free, online course that offers a Canadian-focused overview on tobacco control research, policy, strategies, programs and practice. Modules are available in both English and French. Ontario Tobacco Research Unit.
Demonstrate the Ability to Implement Effective Practice Guidelines
- Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. Guidelines This website provides Canadian guidelines and screening recommendations for a variety of conditions, including depression, cervical cancer, hypertension, and Type 2 diabetes. Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.
- Core public health functions; Resource quickfinder This webpage provides resources including evidence reviews for various public health topics such as mental health promotion, injuries, and healthy communities. British Columbia Ministry of Health.
- The community guide. Guide to community preventive services This U.S. website links readers to reviews, including recommendations, on various public health topics. Community Preventive Services Taskforce.
- NICE guidance This UK website provides a searchable database that includes public health guidance on a number of topics. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
- Toolkit. Implementation of best practice guidelines, Second Edition This is a toolkit for assisting in the implementation of best practice guidelines, including identifying the issue, examining facilitators and barriers, and evaluation. Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario.
- Guidance documents This is a list of guidance documents on a variety of public health topics such as child health, tobacco, nutrition, and physical activity. Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Evaluate the Action, Policy or Program
- Evaluation resources This website outlines a number of evaluation resources, including worksheets and workbooks related to evaluation. The Health Communication Unit, Public Health Ontario.
- Indigenous approaches to program evaluation Discusses Indigenous approaches and ethical guidelines that can be used in the review of different types of program evaluations. National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health.
- Develop an evaluation plan: Canadian Best Practices Portal This website includes links to a number of resources on planning for an evaluation. Public Health Agency of Canada.
- Guide to evaluation in health research This CIHR learning module provides information on designing and conducting an evaluation. Sarah Bowen.
- Evaluation methods. An HPC resource list This resource lists a number of documents, tools, and websites on evaluations. Health Promotion Clearinghouse.
- The health planner’s toolkit. Module 6. Evaluation This module provides basic information on planning, preparing, and conducting evaluations, including various tools to assist in evaluations. Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Demonstrate an Ability to Set and Follow Priorities, and to Maximize Outcomes Based on Available Resources
- Priority setting process checklist This is a 13-page document outlining a priority setting checklist. The Health Communication Unit, Public Health Ontario.
- Deliberative priority setting – a CIHR KT module This document outlines processes for priority setting as well as options for deliberative dialogues. Sandy Campbell, CIHR.
- Priority-setting. Four methods for getting to what’s important This document outlines four methods for priority setting in health promotion. The Health Communication Unit, Public Health Ontario.
- The health planner’s toolkit. Module 7. Priority setting This module will assist the reader to conduct a priority setting process. Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Demonstrate the Ability to Fulfill Functional Roles in Response to a Public Health Emergency
Emergency Management/Training
- Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response This website outlines the role and structure of the Centre, and provides links to the various offices within the Centre. Public Health Agency of Canada.
- Emergency health services basic online training Course The course provides individuals with an introduction to emergencies and the essential role that Emergency Health Services plays in the response and recovery of a community during times of disaster. Public Health Agency of Canada.
- The Canadian pandemic influenza plan for the health sector This is a plan developed by a number of experts to outline guidelines from a health perspective for a potential influenza pandemic. Public Health Agency of Canada.
- Public Health Emergency Preparedness Protocol This protocol outlines information, including roles and responsibilities, for boards of health in cases of emergency.Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
- Health emergency management – Model core program paper This evidence-based report outlines the core elements for public health emergencies. BC Ministry of Health.