Competency-based and problem-based learning methodologies: the WHO and ISS European Public Health Leadership Course

The WHO European Programme of Work, 2020–2025 ‘United Action for Better Health in Europe’, backed up by the Regional Director’s vision, recognizes the need to invest in public health leadership towards addressing the multifaceted public health challenges in the WHO European Region. The WHO Regional Office for Europe in collaboration with the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità—ISS) developed the first European Public Health Leadership Course to support Member States in building their capacity. The course was delivered in blended modality over a period of 3 weeks (7–25 November 2022). It was structured according to the Competency-Based Education model and Problem-Based Learning methodology. Data analyses were conducted on the cohort of the course’s ‘Completers’. The formative assessment was conducted by a pre-post training questionnaire, while the summative assessment included three evaluation tools, in which participants were required to get a minimum overall mean score of 75/100 to pass the course. Thirty-eight participants passed all the summative tests out of 39 enrolled. The analysis of the multiple-choice questions showed an increase in knowledge. Survey results showed a high level of satisfaction. The course offered a mix of both theoretical and practical approaches, allowing participants to gain in-depth knowledge and develop skills that can be applied in their daily work. The successful completion of the course is expected to promote the development of the public health workforce in the eastern and southern parts of the WHO European Region.