Educational Needs for Consideration in Developing Curriculum for Staff in Charge of Public Health Services in Public Hospitals

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was done to assess the educational needs that should be considered in developing curriculum for staff in charge of public health services in public hospitals. METHODS: The participants in this study were staff in charge of public health services in 130 public hospitals. The Borich's Needs Assessment Model which analyzed the relation of 'required competence level' and 'present competence level', was utilized. Data were collected from October to November 2007 using a structure self-report questionnaire. The return rate was 66.9%. The Cronbach's alpha score was 0.959. RESULTS: The mean scores for 'required competence level', 'present competence level' and Borich's need were 4.02, 3.44, and 2.30 respectively. According to public health service items, 'strategies to recognize the present condition and analyze problems' had the highest score for Borich's need, but 'establishment of annual or monthly objectives' had the lowest score for Borich's need. CONCLUSION: Education was found to be very important for staff carrying out public health services. Ultimately the results of this study may be utilized to develop education program for staff carrying out public health services in public hospitals.