Graduate Attributes for Master's Programs in Health Services and Policy Research: Results of a National Consultation

Abstract

Objective: Our objective was to identify desirable attributes to be developed through graduate training in health services and policy research (HsPR) by identifying the knowledge, skills and abilities thought to be keys to success in HsPR-related careers. We aimed for a framework clear enough to serve as a touchstone for HsPR training programs across Canada yet flexible enough to permit diversity of specialization across and within those programs. Methods: Our approach involved several stages of data collection and analysis: a review of literature; telephone interviews with opinion leaders; online surveys of HsPR students, recent graduates and employers; an invitational workshop; and an interactive panel at a national conference. Our final framework was arrived at through an iterative process of thematic analysis, reflection on invited feedback from consultation participants and triangulation with existing competency frameworks. Results: Our final result was a framework that identifies traits, knowledge and abilities of master' s-level graduates who are capable of fostering health system improvement through planning, management, analysis or monitoring that is informed by credible evidence and relevant theory. These attributes are organized into three levels: generic graduate attributes, knowledge related to health and health systems and, finally, attributes related to the application of knowledge for health system improvement. The HsPR-specific attributes include not only an understanding of HsPR theories and methods but also the skills related to the practical application of knowledge in the complex environments of health system decision-making and healthcare policy. Conclusion: master' s-level HsPR training programs should prepare students to pose and seek answers to important questions and provide them with the skills necessary to apply their knowledge within complex decision-making environments. RésuméObjectif : Notre objectif était de déterminer les caractéristiques souhaitables pour la formation des diplômés en recherche sur les services et les politiques de santé (RsPs), en repérant les connaissances, les compétences et les habiletés pouvant mener à la réussite d'une carrière dans la RsPs. Nous avons voulu établir un cadre suffisamment clair pour servir de modèle pour les programmes de formation en RsPs au Canada, tout en étant suffisamment souple pour permettre la diversité des spécialisations parmi ces programmes. Méthodologie : Notre démarche comprend plusieurs étapes pour la collecte et l' analyse des données : une revue de la littérature; des entrevues par téléphone auprès de leaders d' opinion; des sondages en ligne auprès des étudiants, des jeunes diplômés et des employeurs dans le domaine de la RsPs; un atelier de travail sur invitation; et un panel interactif au cours d'un colloque national. Nous avons forgé le cadre au moyen d'une

Development of Enriched Core Competencies for Health Services and Policy Research

“…They assessed the similarities and differences between their recommended set of core competencies and other HSR core competency frameworks (Forrest et al. ; Morgan, Orr, and Mah ) and reviewed each primary role against the set of core competencies to determine whether any essential competencies had been overlooked. Underlying the group's deliberations and assessment was an explicit commitment to the importance of rigorous scholarly training.…”

“…This manuscript describes the group's process and methods that resulted in the identification of an expanded range of academic and nonacademic roles suitable to HSPR PhD graduates, and a recommended expanded set of core competencies for further emphasis in HSPR doctoral training to support these roles. It builds on the work of Morgan, Orr, and Mah () that produced a competency framework for HSPR master's students in Canada as well as on the framework of traditional HSR core competencies in the United Sates developed by Forrest et al. () to introduce new concepts and recommendations that will help HSPR doctoral graduates add value and maximize their impact across a range of work environments and roles.…”

Capacity development in health systems and policy research: a survey of the Canadian context

“…More specifically, these data could provide information on whether programs equip trainees with core competencies that match future career requirements [18]. Commenting on the scientific community more broadly, Kennedy et al [6] suggest university departments give applicants a detailed account of the placement histories of recent graduates.…”

“…Data on graduate employment would be useful to university departments and training programs as a tool for evaluating the quality of their programs and identifying opportunities for improvement. More specifically, these data could provide information on whether programs equip trainees with core competencies that match future career requirements [ 18 ]. Commenting on the scientific community more broadly, Kennedy et al [ 6 ] suggest university departments give applicants a detailed account of the placement histories of recent graduates.…”

Participants’ Perceptions of a Multidisciplinary Training Program for Graduate and Postgraduate Students in Drug Use Management and Policy

“…There are however graduate programs, such as health services administration, health services and policy research, and specific health professional training programs involving residency placements within the health care sector where students work alongside preceptors and/ or conduct specific projects. 11,19,20 Research about the potential impact on students' learning from participation in service-learning programs continues to be needed.…”