Local Health Department and Hospital Collaboration Around Community Health Needs Assessment to Improve Health Outcomes.

The objectives of this study were to examine the relationships between local health department (LHD) and nonprofit hospital collaboration around community health needs assessment (CHNA), levels of collaboration, and selected community health outcomes. Data were obtained from multiple sources including the National Profile of Local Health Departments. Results showed that high levels of LHD-hospital collaboration around CHNA were associated with lower self-reported poor or fair health, lower years of potential life lost per 100 000 population, and lower premature age-adjusted mortality per 100 000 population. More research is needed to examine the influence of collaboration around CHNA on community health.

Joint Community Health Needs Assessments as a Path for Coordinating Community-Wide Health Improvement Efforts Between Hospitals and Local Health Departments.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between hospital-local health department (LHD) collaboration around community health needs assessments (CHNAs) and hospital investment in community health. METHODS: We combined 2015 National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) Forces of Change, 2013 NACCHO Profile, and 2014-2015 Area Health Resource File data to identify a sample of LHDs (n = 439) across the United States. We included data on hospitals' community benefit from their 2014 tax filings (Internal Revenue Service Form 990, Schedule H). We used bivariate and multivariate regression analyses to examine LHDs' involvement in hospitals' CHNAs and implementation strategies and the relationship with hospital investment in community health. RESULTS: The LHDs that collaborated with hospitals around CHNAs were significantly more likely to be involved in joint implementation planning activities than were those that did not. Importantly, LHD involvement in hospitals' implementation strategies was associated with greater hospital investment in community health improvement initiatives. CONCLUSIONS: Joint CHNAs may improve coordination of community-wide health improvement efforts between hospitals and LHDs and encourage hospital investment in community health improvement activities. Public Health Implications. Policies that strengthen LHD-hospital collaboration around the CHNA may enhance hospital investments in community health.

Exploring the Link Between Completion of Accreditation Prerequisites and Local Health Departments' Decision to Collaborate With Tax-Exempt Hospitals Around the Community Health Assessment.

CONTEXT: Community health assessments (CHAs) are a core function of local health departments (LHDs). Recently, completing a CHA has become a prerequisite for LHDs seeking accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Similarly, under the Affordable Care Act, nonprofit hospitals are required to conduct periodic community health needs assessments (CHNAs). Opportunities thus exist for LHDs and hospitals to jointly complete CHAs/CHNAs. OBJECTIVE: This study examined existing LHD-hospital collaborations around CHAs/CHNAs, focusing specifically on the relationship between LHDs' level of engagement with PHAB accreditation activities and their collaboration with hospitals around CHAs/CHNAs. DESIGN: Data came from the 2013 NACCHO (National Association of County & City Health Officials) Profile Study and the Area Health Resource File. Complete data were available for 1332 LHDs that participated in the 2013 NACCHO Profile Study. Logistic regression explored the relationship between LHDs' completion of accreditation prerequisites, in particular completion of a CHA, community health improvement plan, and strategic plan, and their involvement in collaborations with tax-exempt hospitals around CHAs/CHNAs. RESULTS: LHDs that collaborated with tax-exempt hospitals on CHAs/CHNAs were larger, more likely to be locally governed, and more likely to have a local board of health. Bivariate analysis showed that CHA/CHNA-related collaboration with hospitals was significantly correlated (P < .01) with an LHD's completion of accreditation prerequisites. In multivariate regression analysis, completion of all 3 PHAB accreditation prerequisites significantly increased the odds of LHDs collaborating with hospitals when controlling for other LHD and community-level characteristics. CONCLUSION: PHAB accreditation prerequisites together with IRS requirements for hospitals foster potential for collaboration around CHAs/CHNAs. Joint completion of CHAs/CHNAs not only allows partners to complete the assessment more efficiently but has also been shown to produce higher-quality assessments, thus building a strong foundation for continued collaboration to improve community health.

Functional Characteristics of Health Coalitions in Local Public Health Systems: Exploring the Function of County Health Councils in Tennessee.

CONTEXT: Partnerships are emerging as critically important vehicles for addressing health in local communities. Coalitions involving local health departments can be viewed as the embodiment of a local public health system. Although it is known that these networks are heavily involved in assessment and community planning activities, limited studies have evaluated whether health coalitions are functioning at an optimal capacity. OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the extent to which health coalitions met or exceeded expectations for building functional capacity within their respective networks. DESIGN: An evaluative framework was developed focusing on 8 functional characteristics of coalitions previously identified by Erwin and Mills. Twenty-nine indicators were identified that served as "proxy" measures of functional capacity within health coalitions. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-three County Health Councils (CoHCs) in Tennessee. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Diverse member representation; formal rules, roles, and procedures; open, frequent interpersonal communication; task-focused climate; council leadership; resources; active member participation; and external linkages were assessed to determine the level of functionality of CoHCs. Scores across all CoHCs were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, and measures of variability. Data were analyzed using SAS 9.3. RESULTS: Of 68 CoHCs (73% response rate), the total mean score for the level of functional characteristics was 30.5 (median = 30.5; SD = 6.3; range, 18-44). Of the 8 functional characteristics, CoHCs met or exceeded all indicators associated with council leadership, tasked-focused climate, and external linkages. Lowest scores were for having a written communications plan, written priorities or goals, and opportunities for training. CONCLUSION: This study advances the research on health coalitions by establishing a process for quantifying the functionality of health coalitions. Future studies will be conducted to examine the association between health coalition functional capacity, local health departments' community health assessment and planning efforts, and changes in community health status.

Paid sick leave is associated with fewer ED visits among US private sector working adults.

CONTEXT: The United States (US) is the only developed country that does not guarantee short-term or longer-term paid sick leave. OBJECTIVE: This study used a multiyear nationally representative database to examine the association between availability of paid sick leave and frequency of emergency department (ED) use among US private sector employees. STUDY SAMPLE: We used the National Health Interview Survey data (2012-2014). The final study sample consists of 42,460 US adults between 18 and 64years of age and working in nongovernmental private sector. RESULTS: Our results suggest that availability of paid sick leave is significantly associated with lower likelihood of ED use, for both moderate (1-3 times/year) and repeated users (4 or more times/year). After controlling for confounding factors, respondents with paid sick leave are 14% less likely to be moderate ED users (adjusted odds ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.79-0.93) and 32% less likely to be repeated ED users (adjusted odds ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.50-0.91). DISCUSSION: Although expansion of health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act has not been shown to reduce utilization of high cost health care services such as the ED, our study suggests other factors such as the availability of paid sick leave may do so, by allowing patients to seek care through other more cost-effective mechanisms (eg, primary care providers). To reduce ED utilization, health policymakers should consider alternative reforms including paid sick leave.

Access to Employee Wellness Programs and Use of Preventive Care Services Among U.S. Adults.

INTRODUCTION: There is little research at the national level on access to employee wellness programs and the use of preventive care services. This study examined the use of seven preventive care services among U.S working adults with access to employee wellness programs. METHODS: The study population comprised 17,699 working adults aged ≥18 years, obtained from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey. Multivariate logistic regression models examined the relationship between access to employee wellness programs and use of seven preventive care services: influenza vaccination, blood pressure check, diabetes check, cholesterol check, Pap smear test, mammogram, and colon cancer screening. Data analysis began in Fall 2016. RESULTS: Overall, 46.6% of working adults reported having access to employee wellness programs in 2015. Working adults with access to employee wellness programs had higher odds of receiving influenza vaccination (OR=1.57, 95% CI=1.43, 1.72, p<0.001), blood pressure check (OR=2.46, 95% CI=2.17, 2.78, p<0.001), diabetes check (OR=1.30, 95% CI=1.12, 1.50, p<0.001), cholesterol check (OR=1.48, 95% CI=1.33, 1.67, p<0.001), and mammogram (OR=1.57, 95% CI=1.24, 1.98, p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference between access to employee wellness programs and the use of Pap smear test and colon cancer screening services. CONCLUSIONS: Using a nationally representative sample of individuals, this study found a positive association between access to employee wellness programs and the use of preventive care services. The results support favorable policies to encourage implementing wellness programs in all worksites, especially those with <50 employees.

Unmet Primary Care Needs in Diabetic Patients with Multimorbidity in a Medically Underserved Area.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic patients with multimorbidity in medically underserved minority communities are less engaged in primary care and experience high emergency department (ED) utilization. This study assesses unmet primary care needs among diabetic patients in a medically underserved area (MUA). COMMUNITY CONTEXT: A suburb of Memphis-Whitehaven, Tennessee (Shelby County, ZIP codes 38109 and 38116)-majority African American (96.6%) with 30.5% below the poverty level. METHODS: Community case study using multiple data sources including diabetes registry, individual interviews, focus groups, and a survey of 30 ED patients with diabetes and multimorbidity. RESULTS: Diabetes registry data indicated that 95.5% of 5723 diabetic patients had multimorbidity. Over 91.5% were uncontrolled at some point in 2014 to 2015. Only 83% of patients with diabetes and multimorbidity reported having a primary care provider (PCP) and those without a PCP were more likely to report delays in needed care. Patients expressed strong interest in health coaching (88%) and receiving text messages from the doctor's office (73%). Individual patient interviews (n = 9) and focus groups (n = 11) revealed common primary care and self-care experiences and needs including diabetes education, improved patient-provider communication, health-care access and coverage, and strengthened primary care and community. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that almost 1 in 5 ED complex diabetic patients in an MUA do not have a PCP, and that difficulty accessing primary care often results in patients forgoing needed care. Qualitative findings support these conclusions. These results suggest that primary care capacity and infrastructure to support diabetes self-care need strengthening in MUAs.

Full-Range Public Health Leadership, Part 2: Qualitative Analysis and Synthesis.

Public health leadership is an important topic in the era of U.S. health reform, population health innovation, and health system transformation. This study utilized the full-range leadership model in order to examine the public health leadership. We sought to understand local public health leadership from the perspective of local health department leaders and those who work with and for them. Public health leadership was explored through interviews and focus groups with directors (n = 4) and staff (n = 33) from local health departments. Qualitative analytic methods included reflexive journals, code-recode procedures, and member checking, with analysis facilitated by Atlas.ti v.6.0. Qualitative results supported and expanded upon previously reported quantitative findings. Leading by example and providing individual consideration to followers were found to be more important than other leader factors, such as intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, or idealized attributes of leaders. Having a clear and competent vision of public health, being able to work collaboratively with other community agencies, and addressing the current challenges to public health with creativity and innovation were also important findings. Idealized leadership behaviors and individual consideration should be the focus of student and professional development. Models that incorporate contextual considerations, such as the situational leadership model, could be utilized to ensure that optimal individual consideration is given to followers.

Full-range public health leadership, part 1: quantitative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Workforce and leadership development are central to the future of public health. However, public health has been slow to translate and apply leadership models from other professions and to incorporate local perspectives in understanding public health leadership. PURPOSE: This study utilized the full-range leadership model in order to examine public health leadership. Specifically, it sought to measure leadership styles among local health department directors and to understand the context of leadership in local health departments. METHODS: Leadership styles among local health department directors (n = 13) were examined using survey methodology. Quantitative analysis methods included descriptive statistics, boxplots, and Pearson bivariate correlations using SPSS v18.0. FINDINGS: Self-reported leadership styles were highly correlated to leadership outcomes at the organizational level. However, they were not related to county health rankings. Results suggest the preeminence of leader behaviors and providing individual consideration to staff as compared to idealized attributes of leaders, intellectual stimulation, or inspirational motivation. IMPLICATIONS: Holistic leadership assessment instruments such as the multifactor leadership questionnaire can be useful in assessing public health leaders' approaches and outcomes. Comprehensive, 360-degree reviews may be especially helpful. Further research is needed to examine the effectiveness of public health leadership development models, as well as the extent that public health leadership impacts public health outcomes.

Integration of public health and primary care: A systematic review of the current literature in primary care physician mediated childhood obesity interventions.

INTRODUCTION: Childhood obesity, with its growing prevalence, detrimental effects on population health and economic burden, is an important public health issue in the United States and worldwide. There is need for expansion of the role of primary care physicians in obesity interventions. The primary aim of this review is to explore primary care physician (PCP) mediated interventions targeting childhood obesity and assess the roles played by physicians in the interventions. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature published between January 2007 and October 2014 was conducted using a combination of keywords like "childhood obesity", "paediatric obesity", "childhood overweight", "paediatric overweight", "primary care physician", "primary care settings", "healthcare teams", and "community resources" from MEDLINE and CINAHL during November 2014. Author name(s), publication year, sample size, patient's age, study and follow-up duration, intervention components, role of PCP, members of the healthcare team, and outcomes were extracted for this review. RESULTS: Nine studies were included in the review. PCP-mediated interventions were composed of behavioural, education and technological interventions or a combination of these. Most interventions led to positive changes in Body Mass Index (BMI), healthier lifestyles and increased satisfaction among parents. PCPs participated in screening and diagnosing, making referrals for intervention, providing nutrition counselling, and promoting physical activity. PCPs, Dietitians and nurses were often part of the healthcare team. CONCLUSION: PCP-mediated interventions have the potential to effectively curb childhood obesity. However, there is a further need for training of PCPs, and explain new types of interventions such as the use of technology.

Answering the call for integrating population health: insights from health system executives.

PURPOSE: The Affordable Care Act is transforming health care practice nationwide through emphasis on population health and prevention. Health care organizations are increasingly required to address population health needs. However, they may be ill equipped to answer that call. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This study identified ways that health care organizations might better integrate public and population health efforts to better respond to this new emphasis on population health. Employing semi-structured key informant interviews, barriers to and facilitators of integration were explored and implications for health care and public health leaders were developed. FINDINGS: - Participants (n = 17)--including senior hospital executives, group practice administrators, and health department officials--dentified strategies for health care and public health leaders to more effectively integrate in order to achieve better performance and popula-ion health gains. These strategies and their implications are discussed. OORIGINALITY/VALUE:The results of this study provide important value to health care administrators leading efforts to integrate population and public health.