Statewide Applied Epidemiology Workforce Capacity and Competency Assessment-Nebraska, 2008

Objectives: Applied epidemiology is critical for effective delivery of essential public health services. However, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists has documented national shortages of formally trained epidemiologists. We characterized Nebraska's epidemiology workforce and assessed capacity by using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologist applied epidemiology competencies. Methods: We contacted persons likely practicing epidemiology in Nebraska and administered an Internet-based survey to self-identified epidemiologists. Respondents defined by epidemiology-specific education or training were grouped into 2 tier levels. Within each of 8 applied epidemiology competency skill domains, multiple competency statements were listed. By using Likert-type scales (0[never/none] or 1-5[low-high]), we measured frequency of and ability to perform competencies and desire for competency-specific training. Mean differences were calculated between defined groups. Results: Of 91 contacted persons, 83 (91.2%) responded. Of these, 74 (89.2%) self-reported as epidemiologists; 10 (13.5%), 26 (35.1%), and 22 (29.7%) reported 6 to 10, 3 to 5, and less than or equal to 2 years' experience, respectively. Epidemiology-specific advanced degrees or extended-duration formal training were reported by 21.6% (16 of 74) overall and 10.3% (6 of 58) of those reporting 10 years' experience or less. Epidemiologists meeting Applied Epidemiology Competency Tier 2/midlevel criteria (n = 13) reported higher mean frequencies of and abilities to perform competencies in all skill domains. Those not meeting Tier 2 criteria (n = 58) reported higher desire for competency-specific training. Conclusions: This assessment demonstrates the value of the applied epidemiology competencies as a tool to assess workforce epidemiology capacity and differences between defined tier groups. Findings indicate low proportions of formally educated or trained epidemiologists in Nebraska, particularly among the less experienced.