Question

In a 500 word journal entry, describe the strategies used to prioritize organizational and community needs and resources for public health programs/initiatives.In a 500 word journal entry, describe the strategies used to prioritize organizational and community needs and resources for public health programs/initiatives.

Answer 1

There are a numerous factors influence health and well-being of a community, and many organizations and entities in the community play a vital in responding to community health needs. A framework within which a community can take a comprehensive approach to maintaining and improving health will lead to specific results. They include: assessment of health needs, determining its resources promoting health, development and implementation of a strategy for action. Monitoring and re-planning tools are also very important in achieving the goal.

For developing strategies for a community, consider its particular circumstances, including factors such as health concerns, resources and capacities, social and political perspectives, and competing needs. A systematic procedure will makes the action more relevant and fruitful.

Public health programs succeed and survive if organizations address the key areas.

(1) Researches to develop the evidence base for action

(2) A group of high-priority, evidence-based interventions

(3) Efficient performance management, through real-time monitoring, evaluation, and program improvement

(4) Collaboration with public- and private-sector organizations

(5) Adequate communication of accurate and timely information to relevant authority

(6) Political commitment to obtain resources and support

According to the Health Research & Educational Trust an 8 Steps to Guide can be used for Community Health Needs Assessment. In the United States the non-profit hospitals are required to complete a community health needs assessment every three years and this will be used to develop improvement strategies. Involve patients and the community throughout the process to ensure the effectiveness. The center of the model are patients, families and community members and are engaged at every step.

Step 1. Identify and engage stakeholders

Proper identification and involvement of appropriate community stakeholders are the key aspect of any program. That will create a stronger sense of joint ownership of the process and improves co-operation.

Step 2: Define the community.

Defining the relevant population and thereby the community is a major component of the process as it determines the scope of the assessment and intervention. Involving the members and patients ensures that the definition of the community is inclusive.

Step 3: Collection and analysis of data.

Collection of qualitative and quantitative data will help to prioritize community health needs. The quantitative data findings can be collected through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and community or town meetings. Obtaining data from stakeholders which is not otherwise available is an important part of data collection.

Step 4: Prioritize community health issues.

The analyzed data are used for prioritizing community health needs. The advice from the stakeholders in the community and the health care system can explain the urgency of these issues. Including patients, families and community members in the process will make them feel more involved in the outcome. Documentation of the prioritization process ensures transparency.

Step 5: Record and Report

Documentation and communication to relevant people before finalization gives a chance to comment and obtain additional feedback. So that it will reach even the subpopulations within the community.

Step 6: Plan improvement strategies.

Planning of improvement strategies to implement is most important step. It is the key aspect in achieving the goal.

Step 7: Implementation of improvement plans.

Engaging patient and community stakeholders in implementation process also to create a sense of ownership and shared responsibility.

Step 8: Evaluate progress and re-planning

Measure the outcomes and re-plan if necessary.

Needs and resources relevant to the community has to be e identified in the initial stage. The need can be felt by an individual, a group, or an entire community. Resources can include man , money , material or time that can be used to improve the quality of life. The assessment will encourage community members to consider its assets, how to utilize them and how to use their own resources to solve problems . It will help to make decisions about priorities for program or system improvement. Planning of program leads the program in every step. It gives an easy-to-follow road map for conducting an accurate assessment. The planning ahead of time will save time and effort in carrying out the process. People who can be involved in the process are : health and human service providers, government officials, influential people, teachers, police, emergency room personnel, landlords, community activists businesses. Identifying needs and assets can be done and will be helpful almost any point in the initiative. Recruitment of a planning group that represents the community is also effective in the process. Design an evaluation process for the assessment, including the development of the plan can be set at the beginning itself to monitor everything throughout the process. Utilize the already available data and possible data in planning and program process.