9.G. Skills building seminar: Harnessing the power of the ASPHER Core Curriculum for Public Health: From Theory to Action

Abstract Reasons for the workshop The ASPHER Core Curriculum for Public Health 2024 (CCP), developed over 2.5 years with input from 60 Schools and programmes of public health (PH) across Europe, an Expert Consultative Group and an Expert Advisory Group for each subject area, is designed to reflect how education and training in PH can be improved to maintain currency with emerging PH issues. Its use includes review of existing PH curricula, development of new programmes and content, innovative delivery methods and alignment with essential competencies needed by PH professionals. The objectives • to orientate delegates to the potential of the ASPHER CCP for change through panel discussion of curriculum review and programme design, development and delivery; • to share an online CCP Mapping Tool, developed to facilitate self-assessment of PH curricula against domains, subject areas and curricular elements of the CCP; and • to transfer knowledge and skills through audience engagement with practical exercises. Added value The workshop moves beyond theory to action, offering delegates the opportunity to consider the design and content of their own PH education programmes, and their alignment with the ASPHER CCP using an online CCP Mapping Tool. It will serve as a practical, peer-led forum to exchange experience, troubleshoot challenges and identify how the CCP can support curricular change to best equip current and future PH professionals to contribute maximally to their communities and societies. It emphasises the interdisciplinarity of PH and the pivotal role of PH educators in effecting change for the improvement and protection of the PH. It will increase the capacity and knowledge of delegates on innovations in PH education. Coherence The workshop will feature a panel discussion with members of academic institutions where the CCP has been trialled in curricular reviews, programme developments at local and national level and developments in specialised delivery methods such as simulation exercises. Ongoing work on the contribution of the CCP to the attainment of essential PH competencies will be profiled. Format The panel discussion on institutional experiences of applying the CCP will be followed by an opportunity for delegates to apply an online CCP Mapping Tool to their own PH programmes or sample curricula. Panellists will facilitate the process. Groups will conduct a rapid audit of content to identify programme strengths and gaps. A concluding discussion will aim to capture the experience of applying the Mapping Tool, potential challenges with its use and any changes recommended, and, most importantly, the value it can bring to supporting change in curriculum content and design. This workshop addresses the growing demand from PH schools, programme developers, and accreditation bodies for practical tools that align curricula with the ASPHER CCP. Key messages • The ASPHER Core Curriculum is a practical tool to guide Public Health programme development and reform. • Interactive use of the ASPHER Core Curriculum for Public Health builds capacity for curriculum design to align with modern Public Health needs. Speakers/Panellists Alena Petráková Faculty of Health Sciences, Palack’ University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia Alison Mc Callum University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK Anna Cooper-Ryan University of Salford, Salford, UK Karl F Conyard University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland