Where are state public health agencies headed? a qualitative review of strategic maps

Leaders and directors within state public health agencies (SPHAs) oversee a broad array of functions and services that are not always well-coordinated. Demand for increased accountability and strategic direction are voiced from multiple sources. Yet implementation occurs within a challenging context of increasing need and diminishing resources. For these reasons, setting a strategic direction can be difficult.

One useful tool for accomplishing this is “strategic mapping,” a process through which a central challenge, strategic priorities, objectives, and tracks of work are identified and prioritized in a collaborative manner. Once agreed upon, these are visually displayed in a one-page graphic. ASTHO makes this process and tool available to its membership through a partnership with TSI, Inc.

ASTHO is undertaking a qualitative analysis of strategic maps developed for SPHAs by TSI, Inc. from 2008 – 2012. The study is determining the strategic directions identified by SPHAs and their plans for implementation. To the extent possible, changes in the content over time will be identified and analyzed. The overarching goal is to improve the research and practice fields' understanding of state public health agency strategies to improve population health.