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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Christopher A. Parker, MBBS, MPH¹, Tina Smith, MPH¹, Stuart Brown, MD², John A. Shoemaker, MPH¹, and Karen Minyard, PHD¹. (1) Georgia Health Policy Center, Georgia State University, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, 14 Marietta Street, Atlanta, GA 30303, 404-463-9346, chrisparker@gsu.edu, (2) Georgia Department of Human Resources, Georgia Division of Public Health, 2 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30303

More and more, health systems researchers are studying the value of whole systems thinking to improve health service delivery, practice and access. Theoretical constructs of organizational change and principles of social/behavioral science are being more regularly applied to health systems research as researchers look to new approaches in an effort to redress longstanding systemic health issues. In Georgia one such approach is now underway. The Georgia Division of Public Health, spurred on by a recent assessment of its core business has responded to a call for leadership by a commitment to health system transformation that honors inclusion and values the contributions of other stakeholders in health. To this end, in November 2005, the Division convened more than 800 stakeholders and set out on a health improvement journey relying on whole system inputs and statewide collaboration. The process will likely transform approaches to health planning and health care delivery in the state. This report outlines the progress of this Whole-Scale Change process in the generation of statewide health priorities and common system goals. This modified organizational development process, more commonly used in the business sector and seldom with such complex statewide systems, employs dynamic and rapid interactive strategies that result in consensus on system goals and achievable targets. To date, the process has resulted in the establishment of Seven Areas of Emphasis (or health priorities) that all participating stakeholders in health have agreed will be their focus over the next five years.

Learning Objectives: