Collaboration and Partnership in Public Health (CPH Review Session)

Introduction

Speaker: Sabrina Deis, Doctoral Candidate at Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University

• Holds a Master in Public Health from University of Alberta, Canada
• Certified in Public Health since 2016
• Volunteered as an exam item writer and reviewer for MBP

Overview: Understanding key concepts for the CPH exam.

Key Concepts

Definitions

Partnership:

• Relationship where two or more entities work together for a common purpose
  • Typically involves a written agreement or contract
  • Can be internal, within organizations or external (outsourcing)

Collaborator:

• May or may not choose to form a partnership agreement
• Cooperative relationship, no binding contract required

Community:

• Group sharing a sense of collective identity, common goals and values
• Does not necessarily collaborate or form formal agreements

Stakeholder:

• Individuals or organizations with interest or directly affected by a project
• Does not need to be bound by an agreement or partnership
• Examples: community members, gatekeepers, opinion leaders

Types of Partnerships

• Advisory Board/Committee: Broad functions, can inform various aspects of projects
• Task Force: Specific issue or priority, action-oriented, time-limited
• Coalition: Formal alliance of organizations, not between individuals
• Executive Board/Committee: Formal group with elected membership, provides oversight and strategy

Levels of Partnerships

• Local
• State
• National
• Global

Community Engagement

Involving Community Members:

• Empowerment: Expanding their power to create change
• Community Capacity: Gaining skills and access to power
• Participation: Vital for project success and relevant change
• Relevance: Ensures project is pertinent to community needs
• Issue Selection: Community participation in identifying problems
• Trust: Essential for rapport and understanding root causes

Theoretical Frameworks

Community Coalition Action Theory (CCAT):

• Stages: Formation, Maintenance, Institutionalization
• Membership Levels: Criteria for selecting stakeholders which includes diversity and essential members

Other Frameworks:

• Collective Impact Framework: Focus on community cohesion
• Planned Approach to Community Health (PATCH): Community-based health promotion approach
• Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD): Focuses on community assets and strengths
• Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP): Community-driven strategic planning process

Strategies for Successful Collaboration and Partnership

Shared Vision:

• Mutually agreed goals and clear expectations

Multiple Perspectives:

• Diverse viewpoints and conflict resolution mechanisms

Regular Communication:

• Open, active communication, and regular updates

Partnership Agreements:

• Define roles, responsibilities, and detailed agreements

Practical Application

Case Study: Florida Healthy Babies Initiative

• Identify community members, stakeholders, and possible partnerships

Example Community Members: Mothers, Expectant Women, Pediatricians Example Stakeholders: Florida healthcare workers, social workers, policymakers Example Partnerships: Specialty clinics, educational organizations

Review and Exams Tips

• Focus on definitions and framework principles: Partnerships vs. Collaborations, Stakeholders, Community
• Review Theoretical Models: Understand CCAT, PATCH, ABCD, MAPP
• Practice identifying types and levels of partnerships

Final Notes

• Use the CPH Review Guide for detailed understanding and question practice
• Remember to read questions carefully and focus on key terms
• Apply practical strategies by referencing relevant frameworks and models