Has anyone used the WAC "First 99 Data Equity Choices" tool to assess data use needs within the workforce?

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Hi All - I work within local public health in the United States and we are seeing more opportunities for funding related to data modernization in our field. Our staff have varying levels of comfort in working with data from data feeling incredibly intimidating to analysts who would love to nerd out over data with you. This diversity has left identifying what our data needs are very broad. When trying to decide what investments to make, we simply hear, “data” is the need. We are uncertain if this is related to data sourcing issues, data analysis trainings, TA for communicating and distributing data, data software needs, etc.

This lack of clarity made me think of the We All Count Data Equity Framework! I’ve used the “First 99 Data Equity Choices” document for my own data projects, but not at a workforce level (https://weallcount.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WAC-99-Choices-Checklist.pdf).

I like that the questions are split out by Data Equity Framework steps, but they aren’t quite tailored for assessing familiarity within the workforce. My intention would be to tailor these questions and select the most relevant for staff interviews, and assess the data qualitatively. Has anyone done this before? Do you have any helpful tips to recommend?

For context, I have looked into existing assessment instruments. The CDC Data Modernization Initiative’s assessment tool is far too technical for our needs. The de Beaumont Foundation’s PH WINS has limited data related specifically to data training needs. The Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) has documentation requirements for standards and measures, but is not a good tool for understanding gaps. The Core Competency Assessment for Public Health Professionals is limited in quantitative data available and wouldn’t get us information about how to invest in data systems, nor is it wholistic of our system. Note: The forum won’t allow me to include more than 2 links, so please reach out to me directly if you’d like any of these resources sent your way!

Any insights are appreciated. Thank you!

Stephany (She/Her)

Public Health Program Manager in NE Minnesota

medinas@communityhealthboard.org

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Hey @medinas this is a great question. I do know of one organization who has done this. I am reaching out to her to see if we can share what she developed. I’ll get back to you soon.

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Hi, Stephany! What an exciting endeavor! I’ve done some assessments similar to what you’re describing and have found myself drawn to these questions:

  • How does data add value to your work?
  • What opportunities become available by modernizing data infrastructure? / How would improvements affect your work?
  • What is your most pressing current need for data and why is this so important?
  • What would you like to see your programs doing more of in terms of data analysis and utilization? How would this improve your work?
  • What training, tools, or resources would enhance your work related to data?
  • What knowledge, skills, or abilities are needed for data modernization at your organization?

These resources might also provide some inspiration.

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