Field Epidemiology Training Program global evaluation: application of graduates’ skills

BACKGROUND: The Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) is a three-tier (Frontline, Intermediate, and Advanced) practical training that strengthens the capacity of the global public health workforce to detect and respond to epidemics. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has supported the development of FETPs worldwide for over 40 years. A global cross-sectional evaluation was conducted with graduates from CDC-supported FETP Intermediate and Advanced programs to understand the application of FETP in their current job and its impact on their career progression. METHODS: An online survey with Intermediate and Advanced FETP graduates was conducted from March to May 2022. Purposive and snowball sampling was used to recruit survey participants. Each participant received the survey link via email. The survey included questions on demographics, FETP competencies and functional areas, and the impact of training on career. Poststratification weights were applied based on the known proportions of the study population, and univariate and bivariate frequency distributions were calculated. Bivariate cross-tabulations for association were tested using the Rao-Schott Chi-square test of independence. RESULTS: The sample included 1493 graduates representing CDC-supported FETP programs from 49 countries. Three-quarters graduated from the advanced program (wt. n = 1108); 82% worked on the COVID-19 response (wt. n = 1206); and 83% serve as supervisors in their current role (wt. n = 1172). Most graduates felt confident performing FETP competencies independently or as experts (87%), 71% found the competencies very or extremely relevant to their work, and 82% of those who worked on the COVID-19 response found the competencies very or extremely helpful for their response work. Most graduates reported that FETP helped them achieve their current job (87%) and career aspirations (90%) and has been helpful to the organizations for which they worked (95%). CONCLUSIONS: The FETP competencies are relevant and helpful to graduates' professional work. FETP advanced and intermediate graduates are confident performing FETP competencies, with advanced graduates and supervisors feeling more confident. Graduates see FETP as helpful for achieving their career goals and beneficial to the organizations for which they work.