A case study examination of structure and function in a state health department chronic disease unit

J. Alongi

American Journal of Public Health, 2015, vol. 105, e15-e22

Abstract: Objectives: I explored the structural and operational practices of the chronic disease prevention and control unit of a state health department and proposed a conceptual model of structure, function, and effectiveness for future study. Methods: My exploratory case study examined 7 elements of organizational structure and practice. My interviews with staff and external stakeholders of a single chronic disease unit yielded quantitative and qualitative data that I coded by perspective, process, relationship, and activity. I analyzed these for patterns and emerging themes. Results. Chi-square analysis revealed significant correlations among collaboration with goal ambiguity, political support, and responsiveness, and evidencebased decisions with goal ambiguity and responsiveness. Conclusions. Although my study design did not permit conclusions about causality, my findings suggested that some elements of themodel might facilitate effectiveness for chronic disease units and should be studied further.My findings might have important implications for identifying levers around which capacity can be built that may strengthen effectiveness.

Keywords: chronic disease; cooperation; government; health services research; human; organization; politics; professional competence; public health service; system analysis, Chronic Disease; Cooperative Behavior; Humans; Organizational Case Studies; Organizational Objectives; Politics; Professional Competence; Public Health Administration; State Government; Systems Analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2014.302354_3

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302354

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