228127 A multi-state examination of partnership activity among local public health systems using the Collaborative Capacity Framework

Monday, November 8, 2010

Priscilla A. Barnes, PhD, MPH, CHES , Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Amy B. Curtis, PhD, MPH , Interdisciplinary Health Studies, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
Laura Downey, DrPH , Department of Community Health Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
Leigh Ford, PhD , School of Communication, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
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.

Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
1. Define local public health systems (LPHSs). 2. Describe components of the Collaborative Capacity Framework. 3. Identify partnership activities conducted by LPHSs at optimal and minimal levels. 4. Name at least one recommended strategy to improve partnership activity.

Keywords: Partnerships, Public Health Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I facilitated projects that were created through private and public sector organizations partnerships
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.