Year 1 in review: Evaluation of an academic health department

Academic health departments (AHD) are a proposed method to promote academic- agency partnerships that lead to population health improvements. AHD is a formal agreement between  an academic institution training public health students and a local or state health department that demonstrates mutual benefit by enhancing both entities and ultimately leads to health improvements in the community. Mercer University Department of Public Health and the Georgia North Central Health District developed a liaison-based AHD. The liaison position is funded equally by both organizations. The framework for the partnership is captured in a logic model outlining the inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes.

A process evaluation was conducted to provide an analysis of inputs, activities, and outputs described in the logic model.  All inputs and activities have been achieved as outlined in the logic model; the outputs have not all materialized.   Of seven outputs, four have been implemented:  the liaison has been hired; shared research projects have been completed or are ongoing; several students are involved in community service or research projects in cooperation with the health district; there is a joint publication and presentation with shared authorship.  The remaining activities to be implemented include:  continuing education activities conducted by faculty within the district; district staff conducting lectures in the PH program; and joint events.

Barriers to outputs delivery include:  timing and scheduling conflicts, matching district needs with faculty expertise, and funding for training events. A committee consisting of participants from both entities is charged with developing strategies to address barriers.