Defining doctoral training competencies

BACKGROUND: Structured Population Health, Policy and Health Services Research Education (SPHeRE) is a national doctoral training programme for scholars undertaking research in population health, policy, and health services research (PHPHSR) research in Ireland. The programme has a formative impact on the future of PHPHSR. To ensure graduates are equipped to meet the needs of 21st century public health research, we undertook a review of two interconnected areas, the research priorities and training curriculum underpinning the programme. OBJECTIVES: Our overall aim is to provide exemplary PHPHSR training, enabling graduates address current and future PHPHSR needs via cutting edge research. To achieve this, we set the following objectives: 1. Identify key PHPHSR priorities for stakeholders including researchers, funders and public health agencies 2. Update the curriculum to reflect research priorities and evolving needs for PHPHSR graduates RESULTS: To achieve both objectives we used parallel complimentary methods. We began by reviewing literature for research prioritisation and curriculum review. Both processes were undertaken as team endeavors and are in the process of being written up as scoping reviews. As such we are also contributing to the knowledge base in the area of PHPHSR doctoral training, while also updating our own programme. Key findings included the need for continuous stakeholder engagement in setting research priorities, to ensure focus of training is orientated towards emerging needs. In terms of curriculum the need for competency focused curriculums emerged clearly. For example, leadership skills are increasingly required. While traditionally seen as incidental, these now need to be integrated within the curriculum. To achieve this we are consulting with stakeholders using a range of participatory methods such as World Café. CONCLUSIONS: Literature review and stakeholder engagement are key components of evidence-based doctoral training programmes. KEY MESSAGES: • PHPHSR Doctoral training is a rapidly evolving area. • Comprehensive research prioritisation and curriculum review are required ensure doctoral training remains fit for purpose.