Development of core competencies for field veterinary epidemiology training programs

Pinto, J; Dissanayake, RB; Dhand, N; Rojo-Gimeno, C; Falzon, LC; Akwar, H; Alambeji, RB; Beltran-Alcrudo, D; Castellan, DM; Chanachai, K; Guitian, J; Hilmers, A; Larfaoui, F; Loth, L; Motta, P; Rasamoelina, H; Salyer, S; Shadomy, S; Squarzoni, C; Rwego, I; Santos, CV; Wongsathapornchai, K; Lockhart, C; Okuthe, S; Kane, Y; Gilbert, J; Soumare, B; Dhingra, M; Sumption, K; Tiensin, T

doi:10.3389/fvets.2023.1143375

Development of core competencies for field veterinary epidemiology training programs

Pinto, J; Dissanayake, RB; Dhand, N; Rojo-Gimeno, C; Falzon, LC; Akwar, H; Alambeji, RB; Beltran-Alcrudo, D; Castellan, DM; Chanachai, K; Guitian, J; Hilmers, A; Larfaoui, F; Loth, L; Motta, P; Rasamoelina, H; Salyer, S; Shadomy, S; Squarzoni, C; Rwego, I; Santos, CV; Wongsathapornchai, K; Lockhart, C; Okuthe, S; Kane, Y; Gilbert, J; Soumare, B; Dhingra, M; Sumption, K; Tiensin, T

Authors

J Pinto

RB Dissanayake

N Dhand

C Rojo-Gimeno

LC Falzon

H Akwar

RB Alambeji

D Beltran-Alcrudo

DM Castellan

K Chanachai

J Guitian

A Hilmers

F Larfaoui

L Loth

P Motta

H Rasamoelina

S Salyer

S Shadomy

C Squarzoni

I Rwego

CV Santos

K Wongsathapornchai

C Lockhart

S Okuthe

Y Kane

J Gilbert

B Soumare

M Dhingra

K Sumption

T Tiensin

Abstract

A workforce with the adequate field epidemiology knowledge, skills and abilities is the foundation of a strong and effective animal health system. Field epidemiology training is conducted in several countries to meet the increased global demand for such a workforce. However, core competencies for field veterinary epidemiology have not been identified and agreed upon globally, leading to the development of different training curricula. Having a set of agreed core competencies can harmonize field veterinary epidemiology training. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) initiated a collective, iterative, and participative process to achieve this and organized two expert consultative workshops in 2018 to develop core competencies for field veterinary epidemiology at the frontline and intermediate levels. Based on these expert discussions, 13 competencies were identified for the frontline and intermediate levels. These competencies were organized into three domains: epidemiological surveillance and studies; field investigation, preparedness and response; and One Health, communication, ethics and professionalism. These competencies can be used to facilitate the development of field epidemiology training curricula for veterinarians, adapted to country training needs, or customized for training other close disciplines. The competencies can also be useful for mentors and employers to monitor and evaluate the progress of their mentees, or to guide the selection process during the recruitment of new staff.

Citation

Pinto, J., Dissanayake, R., Dhand, N., Rojo-Gimeno, C., Falzon, L., Akwar, H., …Tiensin, T. (2023). Development of core competencies for field veterinary epidemiology training programs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1143375

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Mar 17, 2023
Online Publication Date	Apr 6, 2023
Publication Date	2023
Deposit Date	Feb 16, 2024
Publicly Available Date	Feb 16, 2024
Print ISSN	2297-1769
Publisher	Frontiers Media
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	10
DOI	https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1143375
Keywords	field veterinary epidemiology; core competencies; workforce capacity development; epidemiological surveillance; field investigation; One Health; PUBLIC-HEALTH WORKFORCE; DISEASE SURVEILLANCE; CAPACITY; THREATS; MODEL