Is public health ready for a professional practice framework?
OBJECTIVE
To develop a framework for professional practice for a large urban public health unit in Canada.


METHODS
The project involved a literature search, key informant interviews, an environmental scan and focus groups.


RESULTS
Analysis and synthesis led to recommendations for the development of discipline-specific Professional Practice Leaders (PPL) and an Interprofessional Practice Leaders Network. The latter meets to discuss cross-cutting practice issues and is chaired by the chief executive officer of the health unit, the Medical Officer of Health. The one-year evaluation has demonstrated that this initiative has worked well in practice. It is a flexible framework which provides new leadership opportunities and gives staff valuable input into decision-making on practice issues. It is also a more efficient use of staff resources, including a comprehensive approach to solving problems and in breaking down silos between programs. Communication and collaboration between disciplines has increased.


CONCLUSIONS
The initiative was evaluated successfully after the pilot year. In going forward areas to review include the time allotment for the PPL, communication between the PPL, the respective Program Director and the entire department, and expanding professional development opportunities for the PPL.
Cava
Maureen
M
Toronto Public Health--Planning and Policy, 277 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. mcava@toronto.ca
D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009864:Ontario; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000592:standards*; D011634:Public Health