title: Guide for applied public health workforce research: an evidence-based approach to workforce development.
abstract: Essential to achievement of the public health mission is a knowledgeable, competent, and prepared workforce; yet, there is little application of science and technical knowledge to ensuring the effectiveness of that workforce, be it governmental or private. In this article, I review the evidence for effective workforce development and argue for an increased emphasis on an evidence-based approach to ensuring an effective workforce by encouraging the generation of the evidence base that is required. To achieve this, I propose the appointment of an independent Task Force on Public Health Workforce Practice to oversee the development of a Guide for Public Health Workforce Research and Practice (Workforce Guide), a process that will generate and bring together the workforce evidence base for use by public health practitioners.
authors.forename: Stephen B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Thacker
mesh_terms: D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006281:Health Occupations / Q000193:education*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D010558:Personnel Loyalty; D010560:Personnel Selection; D011634:Public Health; D012106:Research; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce