A multi-state examination of partnership activity among local public health systems using the Collaborative Capacity Framework

Objectives: Partnerships may be used by local public health systems (LPHSs) to improve coordination of public health services in jurisdictions. Using the Collaborative Capacity Framework, this study examines partnership activities reported by LPHSs in the U.S.

Methods: Secondary data analysis was used to determine frequencies and associations of partnership activities from a sample of 110 LPHSs. Nine questions from the second version (2008-2009) of the National Public Health Performance Standards Program (NPHPSP) were matched with relational, organizational, and programmatic constructs from the framework and one question related to emergency preparedness was used as a measure of a specific partnership activity.

Results: The most commonly reported activity conducted at an optimal level was participation in emergency preparedness coalitions (n=67, 61%). Several partnership activities, particularly the use of communication strategies (n=73, 66%) and review of partnership effectiveness (n=62, 56%) within the three constructs were reported at minimal-moderate levels. When examining indicators within relational and organizational constructs, LPHSs were less likely to establish a community health improvement committee. When examining associations of indicators within organizational and programmatic constructs, LPHSs were less likely to establish a health improvement process and have a community improvement committee.

Discussion: Increased attention in partnerships has focused on emergency preparedness and has brought together organizations to improve coordination. More attention is needed in building capacity of LPHSs, especially in communication strategies and evaluation. The Collaborative Capacity Framework may serve as an evaluative model for LPHSs' to further assess partnership activities.