Overview
IMPACTIVO in partnership with the HRSA Region 2 Public Health Training Center (Region 2 PHTC) conducted a formal public health workforce needs assessment in Puerto Rico following the methodology established by the de Beaumont Foundation and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO). For the first time, the study was conducted using a Spanish translated version by the IMPACTIVO Team of The Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS). Through the analysis of the data collected this report shows us the strengths and areas of concern and needs of the public health workforce at the forefront of primary care in FQHC’s in Puerto Rico.
Key Findings
The survey consists of four major sections that provide insight into attitudes, organizational climate, and knowledge as well as gaps in skills of the public health workforce. It provides actionable data easily translated into building capacity programs and policies for the benefit of this workforce.
- Sample represented 16.4% of the FQHC workforce in Puerto
- 15% of the sample was Male; 81% Female and 4% preferred not to answer. (n=470)
- Most participants had less than 10 years in public health.
- 98% of them consider their work important.
- 91% feel engaged in their work.
- 91% are very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with their job, but only 42% expressed satisfaction with their salary.
- Expected turnover by retirement is minimal, with only 4% planning to retire in the next 5 years.
- Age Distribution, n=470
- Over 25% each of executives, supervisors and non-supervisors consider themselves beginners in areas such as cross-sector partnerships and vision for a healthy community.
- More than 30% of supervisors reported low proficiency levels in core administrative skills areas.
