Evaluating the impact of field epidemiology training programs: a descriptive review of the published literature.

Field epidemiology training programs (FETPs) are designed to equip public health professionals with the skills necessary to investigate, monitor, and respond to disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies. Since the 1950s, when the first FETP started in the United States, the training model has been adopted by numerous countries around the world. Today, there are 98 FETPs in operation, and over 20,000 graduates. This review assesses published studies that report on the evaluation of FETPs. A literature search yielded 402 records, with 16 publications meeting inclusion criteria after duplicate removal and eligibility screening. The 16 FETP evaluations encompassed 37 national and four regional assessments across 26 countries. Most of the evaluations were descriptive reviews using quantitative methods focusing on outputs and short- or medium-term outcomes. Only four published evaluations focused on longer term impacts of an FETP. The evaluations describe and quantify numerous outputs and outcomes, providing evidence of trainees and graduates applying skills to strengthen core health system functions. Several challenges were also identified, including poor utilisation of FETP graduates by senior management stemming from a limited understanding of what field epidemiologists can contribute to the health system. While these evaluations indicate that FETPs are successful training programs, there are relatively few published impact evaluations providing the level of evidence increasingly expected by funders and stakeholders. There is a need and opportunity to develop tools and resources to support FETP evaluators in the implementation of impact evaluations.