Jorg Westermann, PhD, MA¹, Christopher Atchison, MPA², Barry Greene, PhD², Tanya Uden-Holman, PhD³, L. Graham Dameron, MPH, REHS⁴, and Frances Sadden, BSN, MA⁵. (1) Director, Continuing Education, Center for Public Health Practice, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, WL 5202, Iowa City, IA 52242, 319-384-4294, jorg-westermann@uiowa.edu, (2) College of Public Health, University of Iowa, E220B GH, Iowa City, IA 52242, (3) Institute for Public Health Practice, University of Iowa College of Public Health, 5186 Westlawn, Iowa City, IA 52242, (4) Institute for Public Health Practice, The University of Iowa, Public Health Consultant, 5203 Westlawn, Iowa City, IA 52242, (5) Health Director, Siouxland District Health Department, 1014 Nebraska St., Sioux City, IA 51105

In today’s complex environment it is of utmost importance to develop continuing education programs in public health that are addressing identified needs, are delivered in a timely fashion and are easily accessible to the public health professional. The presentation will showcase a practical example how the systems model can be utilized to accomplish this.

This presentation will describe the components of the Iowa Systems Model. The steps in developing a continuing education program will be discussed utilizing the Iowa Systems Model. The advantage of utilizing a systems model for the development of public health programs will be highlighted. A continuing education offering ‘New Public Health Administrator Competency Course’ will be presented and utilized to highlight the usefulness of the systems model. The integration of the course in a Learning Management System will be discussed. Application of the Systems Model to participants Continuing Education efforts will be described.

Participants in the session will gain hands-on experience on how to develop a continuing education program utilizing the systems model.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participant will be able to

• List the different components of the Iowa Systems Model
• Recognize the steps involved in developing continuing education programming consistent with the Iowa Systems Model
• Discuss the advantages of utilizing a systems model for the development of public health continuing education programs
• Apply the Iowa Systems Model to the participants Continuing Education efforts

Keywords: Distance Education Development, Public Health Education

Related Web page: www.public-health.uiowa.edu/icphp/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.