The Importance of Upskilling the Public Health Workforce through Accessible Informatics Trainings
- By: Rachel Brink, MPH, MBA
- Date
As the world faces unprecedented health challenges—from pandemics to chronic disease management—the role of data in public health has become increasingly vital. Years of underinvestment in public health infrastructure have resulted in outdated technology, fragmented data-sharing systems, and limited workforce capacity. With rapid technological advancements, public health must evolve to leverage these innovations effectively. In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched the Data Modernization Initiative (DMI) and the Public Health Data Strategy (PHDS). These initiatives aim to modernize data practices, foster collaboration with healthcare and other data providers, promote health equity, enable timely insights for decision-making, and improve health outcomes. However, the limited focus on informatics and data science in traditional public health education, coupled with the shortage of cross-training between public health and information technology (IT), has left many public health agencies without the necessary knowledge, expertise, and resources to conduct DMI activities effectively. Therefore, to achieve the goals outlined in the PHDS and DMI, there is an urgent need to provide accessible informatics and data science training to upskill the current workforce and enhance their capacity.
The Public Health Informatics Institute (PHII) defines informatics as “the science of how to use data, information, and knowledge to improve human health and the delivery of health care services.” By integrating methods, theories, and concepts from computer science, information technology, and information science, informatics transforms raw data into actionable insights. It achieves this by developing efficient, effective information systems supporting all public health services. Creating these systems requires a comprehensive understanding of end-user needs, such as identifying relevant data to collect, analyze, and disseminate. Additionally, developers must navigate jurisdictional data exchange policies, governance obligations (including legal considerations), data standards, and requirements for data quality, privacy, and security. Despite these critical needs, traditional public health education often lacks a focus on informatics and data science, leaving many agencies without the skilled workforce necessary to advance data systems and other DMI related activities.
Through a 2024 assessment of informatics capacity at local health departments (LHDs), the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) found that 61% of LHDs had no staff dedicated to informatics services. Additionally, the assessment showed that workforce-related challenges to data systems were common, with LHDs citing staff time and workload (44%) and lack of training (39%) as “very challenging” or “extremely challenging.” Even among LHDs with staff dedicated to informatics services, most indicated that staff needed skill development in using and interpreting qualitative data (69%) or quantitative data (66%). This assessment highlights the need to upskill the current workforce to increase familiarity and knowledge in informatics and data science through targeted, accessible training.
In response to these identified gaps in informatics capacity and training among LHDs, the Public Health Foundation (PHF), in collaboration with the CDC and subject matter experts curated a series of informatics and data science trainings tailored for public health professionals. These carefully curated training plans are designed to address specific knowledge gaps and skills needed in the field. Located on the TRAIN Learning Network, public health professionals and organizations can easily take the five new informatics training plans or use the tailored course search to capture new informatics and data science trainings as they are added to TRAIN. The training plans need not be taken in order, so public health agencies can select the trainings best suited for their staff on an as-needed basis.
By building proficiency through targeted trainings, public health professionals acquire essential skills to navigate the complexities of modern data systems and effectively carry out DMI activities. A well-trained workforce can adapt to new technologies and methodologies, enabling public health agencies to remain agile in the face of emerging challenges. Since overcoming outdated technologies and fragmented data systems is crucial, upskilling the current workforce is a key factor in helping agencies stay ahead and meet DMI goals effectively. Prioritizing workforce development through accessible informatics trainings improves operational efficiency and fosters innovation and collaboration across the public health sector. This proactive approach ensures that agencies are better equipped to respond to emerging health threats, advance health equity, and promote a more resilient and responsive public health ecosystem. By investing in staff training, agencies strengthen their infrastructure, allowing them to address today’s challenges and prepare for future uncertainties.
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