MCH Leadership Training Program: An Innovative Application of an Implementation Science Framework

IntroductionMCH training programs in schools of public health provide specialized training to develop culturally competent and skilled MCH leaders who will play key roles in public health infrastructure. Previous literature has reported on the effectiveness of MCH training programs (e.g., number of trainees, improvement in knowledge/skills); less attention has been devoted to understanding factors influencing program implementation during times of rapid change, while considering internal and external contexts (e.g., global pandemic, social unrest, uncertainty of funding, mental health issues, and other crises).PurposeThis article describes a graduate-level MCH leadership training program and illustrates how an implementation science framework can inform the identification of determinants and lessons learned during one year of implementation of a multi-year program.AssessmentFindings reveal how CFIR can be applicable to a MCH training program and highlight how constructs across domains can interact and represent determinants that serve as both a barrier and facilitator. Key lessons learned included the value of accountability, flexibility, learner-centeredness, and partnerships.ConclusionFindings may apply to other programs and settings and could advance innovative training efforts that necessitate attention to the multi-level stakeholder needs (e.g., student, program, institution, community, and local/regional/national levels). Applying CFIR could be useful when interpreting process and outcome evaluation data and transferring findings and lessons learned to other organizations and settings. Integrating implementation science specifically into MCH training programs could contribute to the rigor, adaptability, and dissemination efforts that are critical when learning and sharing best practices to expand leadership capacity efforts that aim to eliminate MCH disparities across systems. SignificanceA skilled MCH workforce is essential for an effective public health system to address health disparities and achieve health equity. Preparing MCH professionals to respond to pandemics, disasters, unrest, disparities, and other complex socio-political situations requires training that promotes lifelong learning, commitment, collaboration, and action. However, determinants impacting MCH leadership training program implementation remain unknown. This article illustrates how integrating an implementation science framework could inform development, implementation and evaluation activities. Such application could contribute to improving the rigor, transferability, adaptability, and dissemination efforts during challenging times. Rapid systematic, comprehensive, and timely responses to programmatic challenges are critical for learning, adapting, and sharing best practices to expand MCH leadership training capacity efforts.