Developing competencies for training practitioners in evidence-based cancer control

Background. Competency-based education allows public health departments to better develop a workforce aimed at conducting evidence-based control cancer. Methods. A 2-phased competency development process was conducted that systematically obtained input from practitioners in health departments and trainers in academe and community agencies (n = 60). Results. Among the 26 competencies developed, 10 were rated at the beginner level, 12 were intermediate, and 4 were advanced. Community-level input competencies were seen as beginner level, whereas policy-related competencies were rated as advanced. Conclusion. Although adaptation to various audiences is needed, these competencies provide a foundation on which to build practitioner-focused training programs.