The Mobilizing Action Toward Community Health Partnership Study: Multisector Partnerships in US Counties with Improving Health Metrics

Abstract

IntroductionMultisector partnerships are promoted as a mechanism to improve population health. This study explored the types and salient features of multisector partnerships in US counties with improving population health metrics.MethodsWe used the “Framework for Understanding Cross-Sector Collaborations” proposed by Bryson, Crosby, and Stone to guide data collection and interpretation. Comparative case studies were conducted in 4 counties selected on the basis of population, geographic region, an age-adjusted mortality decline better than the US average, and stable per capita income. Data were collected through website and report reviews and through in-depth interviews with key informants (N = 59) representing multiple sectors. County reports were developed and cross-case themes related to partnership types and salient features were derived.ResultsMultisector collaboration was common in all 4 counties despite substantial variations in population, geographic size, demographic diversity, and other characteristics. Most partnerships were formed by professionals and organizations to improve delivery of health and social services to vulnerable populations or to generate policy, system, and environment changes. Multisector collaboration was valued in all cases. Outcomes attributed to partnerships included short- and long-term effects that contributed to improved population health.ConclusionThe Bryson, Crosby, and Stone model is a useful framework for conducting case study research on multisector partnerships. Outcomes attributed to the multisector partnerships have the potential to contribute to improvement in population health. Further study is needed to confirm whether multisector partnerships are necessary for improving population health within counties and to understand which partnership characteristics are critical for success.

Massachusetts Community-Based Organization Perspectives on Medicaid Redesign

“…This work fills an essential gap in the literature by highlighting the perspectives of CBOs as policymakers move to align the 2 sectors to address social needs and improve population health. Although several previous analyses have identified and explored the views of health policymakers at both the state and organizational level, 5,6,8,37 this study is among the first to systematically interrogate the perspectives of CBO leadership on their role in health improvement activities. Creating lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships between these 2 different sectors requires stakeholder engagement on both sides, where policy efforts have traditionally focused mostly on outcomes, evaluation, and incentives for the healthcare sector only.…”

Aligning healthcare, public health and social services: A scoping review of the role of purpose, governance, finance and data

“…The papers reviewed varied widely in their recommendations for how to achieve a sense of shared purpose. Several suggested implementing structured planning processes and connecting accountability measures to shared purpose (Mahlangu et al., 2017 ; Nichols et al., 2017 ; Spencer & Freda, 2016 ; Zahner et al., 2014 ). Others suggested less formal tactics, recommending flexible or organic approaches to the development of a sense of shared purpose (Dalton et al., 2019 ; Kritz, 2017 ).…”

“…Perhaps most importantly, financing often comes with restrictions (Fisher & Elnitsky, 2012 ). In some cases, cuts in funding brought focus to collaboratives (Kennedy et al., 2019 ; Zahner et al., 2014 ) or were themselves a catalyst for collaboration (Cantor et al., 2015a ).…”

Time for a Change: The COVID-19 Nursing Home Disaster and the Urgency of LTSS Reform*

“…This progress has improved the way that governments-and other collaborating partners-respond to public challenges. Research spans many disparate fields, including public health (Tataw & Rosa-Lugo Jr, 2011;Zahner, Oliver, & Siemering, 2014) and human services delivery (Magrab & Raper, 2010;Mayhew, 2012). The developed-country evidence base identifies design, strategic management and governance as critical areas of research focus Bryson et al, 2006;Stone, Crosby, & Bryson, 2013).…”