Assessment of Scientific Writing and Publishing of Epidemiologists in State and Local Health Departments - 2014

Key Objectives:

1. Present highlights of assessment of scientific writing capacity in state and local health departments.
2. Discuss barriers to scientific writing and publishing.
3. Discuss ways CSTE can help facilitate scientific writing and publishing in state and local health departments.

Brief Summary:
Background: Past CSTE assessments of epidemiologists in state and local health departments documented a large number of published reports and abstracts, but fewer peer-reviewed publications. Based on these gaps, CSTE conducted a needs assessment on scientific writing and publishing. Methods: In August 2014, all CSTE and NACCHO members were sent an online assessment about scientific writing in the context of their current job responsibilities, barriers to publishing, and agency resources and support. Quotas ensured responses represented a distribution of epidemiologists by years of public health experience. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted using SAS. Results: Two-thirds of respondents have submitted a report for publication (38% to a CDC-specific journal). Less than half (45%) reported peer-reviewed publishing was part of their job duties. Moderate or major barriers to scientific writing and publishing were time, agency support, and access to peer-reviewed literature. Minor barriers to publishing were knowledge on how to submit articles for publication or lack of previous writing or publishing experience. Dedicated work time was reported as a desired resource to improve scientific writing by 65% of respondents. Over half of respondents reported training opportunities to improve scientific writing and publishing skills (62%), best practice models of supportive writing resources within health departments (60%), best practice examples of supportive organizational culture to foster writing and publishing activities (55%), and access to a mentoring network of writers from state and local health departments (53%) as desired resources. Most needed trainings to improve scientific writing included how to pick a journal for submission (62%), technical writing (60%), and navigating formats of peer-reviewed journals (57%).  Conclusions: Epidemiologists in state and local health departments need time, tools and resources, and journal guidance for writing and publishing. CSTE may be able to partner with state and local agencies to support these activities.