Perspectives from the Canadian public health community on the use, adoption barriers to, and implementation supports needed for the Core Competencies for Public Health in Canada: Release 2.0: a qualitative descriptive study

Objective To understand the anticipated use of the updated Core Competencies for Public Health in Canada: Release 2.0, perceived barriers to their adoption, and possible implementation supports. Methods We utilized a qualitative descriptive approach, drawing on data generated from national engagement sessions held as part of the update process for the Core Competencies, and from open-ended responses from a Delphi survey. Content analysis was conducted using NVivo, and key themes and illustrative quotes are presented. Results Participants represented a diverse range of disciplines and organizational types across Canada. Participants reported that the updated competencies would be used for education and training, human resource processes, advocating for public health, and organizational planning. The most common barriers to use anticipated were sufficient buy-in and support from interest holders at all levels, including allocation of appropriate resources, and the complexity of applying these competencies to a range of public health roles and contexts. Participants voiced a desire for coordinated efforts to support cross-organization training, and for practical tools such as assessments, practice examples or job descriptions to help to utilize the competencies immediately. Conclusion Overall, there was broad support for the updated Core Competencies for Public Health with a range of anticipated uses. Tangible implementation supports and commitment from leadership will be needed to overcome the anticipated barriers.