Competencies for Public Health Finance: An Initial Assessment and Recommendations

• Published in: Journal of public health management and practice 2004-09, Vol.10 (5), p.458-466
• Main Authors: Gillespie, Kathleen N., Kurz, Richard S., McBride, Timothy, Schmitz, Homer H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Health technology assessment; Humans; Leadership; Needs Assessment; Professional Competence; Public Health Administration - economics; Public Health Administration - education; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 1078-4659; 1550-5022
• DOI: 10.1097/00124784-200409000-00014

The purpose of the study in this article was to identify the needs of public health managers with regard to public health finance. A survey of public health practitioners regarding competencies was conducted and a review of course offerings in finance among schools of public health was performed. Most public health practitioners surveyed believe that a broad array of management competencies are required to administer the finances of a public health facility or department. Respondents added 35 competencies to those initially given to them for review. Most added competencies that were more specific than the original competencies or could be viewed as subpoints of the original competencies. Many schools offered no courses specifically addressing public health care finance, with a few offering at most only one public health finance course. All schools offered at least one corporate finance course, and the majority offered two or more courses. We conclude with a number of recommendations for education and competency development, suggesting several next steps that can advance the field of public health's understanding of what managers need to master in public health finance to effectively function as public health managers.