Canadian Field Epidemiology Program Evaluation: Survey and Interview Results

The dataset comprises results from a mixed-methods evaluation of the Canadian Field Epidemiology Program (CFEP). It includes quantitative survey data from 24 graduates and qualitative interview data from 22 graduates, 15 placement supervisors, and 13 current managers. The data covers program outputs and impacts from 2018 to 2023.

Use Cases

• Analyze the relationship between CFEP competency domains and post-graduation employment as epidemiologists using survey data.
• Quantify trainee and graduate contributions to outbreak response by examining the reported 145 and 48 outbreak investigations, respectively.
• Assess the adoption of new analytical tools like R and advanced data visualization, as noted by supervisors and managers in interview transcripts.
• Evaluate the program's impact on surveillance systems by correlating trainee activities (91% involved) with graduate career outcomes (84% continued involvement).
• Study career progression by examining the reported statistic that 54% of graduates progressed to supervisory or management roles.

Strengths

• Includes multi-perspective data from 74 total participants (24 survey respondents, 50 interview subjects).
• Captures specific, quantified outcomes such as 145 outbreak investigations by trainees and 48 by graduates.
• Covers a defined time period (2018-2023) for graduates completing the program.
• Uses a theory-based mixed-methods design, integrating quantitative survey and qualitative interview data.

Limitations

• Small sample size for the graduate survey (24 respondents).
• Data is contained within a PDF report, requiring extraction for structured analysis.
• Geographic scope is limited to Canada, limiting generalizability.

Provenance

Source

James A. Flint, published on figshare.

Collection Method

Mixed-methods evaluation using an online survey of graduates and semi-structured interviews with graduates, supervisors, and managers.

Time Range

2018-2023 (for graduates completing the program).

Freshness

Data current through 2023, with the record last updated in March 2026.

Geography

Canada.