Lessons Learned From the Multistate Learning Collaborative

Abstract

Given the recent interest in public health accreditation programs and related efforts, there is a need to learn from the shared experiences of states that have developed, implemented, and evaluated their own efforts. The Multistate Learning Collaborative provided such an opportunity. Five states were selected to participate in this national peer group. The states represented in the Collaborative reflect different accreditation and assessment models, varying levels of maturity, and various designs based on the context and needs of a given state. However, despite these differences, common themes, critical elements, and shared challenges have emerged.

Quality Improvement and Accreditation

“…They also provided concrete suggestions, based on their experiences, for ensuring the development of a credible national program of accreditation based on a national commitment to continuous QI for public health. 4,5 In the QI vernacular, is this a stretch for public health? Doubtless, it will require a long-term commitment to reforming governmental public health in this country.…”

The Journey toward Voluntary Public Health Accreditation Readiness in Local Health Departments: Leadership and Followership Theories in Action

“…Such concepts are new to many individuals associated with local health departments, and leaders will need to understand how to elicit interest by their staff members and growth in their understanding of the accreditation process (10) in a program that has only been recently launched (2, 3). While many factors within communities and local health departments influence performance of local health departments, leadership is of critical importance (11, 12). Knowledge of the impact of leadership has evolved from the trait-based theories to more modern, contingency theories that add a focus on the follower (13).…”

“…Leaders of small health departments with minimal resources have banded together with neighboring county and district health departments, universities, and other non-profit entities to work toward community health assessments (20) required as pre-requisites to accreditation (7). Such partnerships break down silos that have existed in the public health system, capitalizing on the strengths of each partner, and transforming the way the business of public health occurs (12, 21). …”

Evaluating the Multi-State Learning Collaborative

“…[1][2][3] The third phase of this national effort includes 16 states funded for a 3-year period through the spring of 2011. As described by Gillen and colleagues (see Gillen in this issue), the intent of the current MLC phase is to create a community of practice that will (1) prepare local and state health departments for national voluntary accreditation, (2) contribute to the development of the national voluntary accreditation program and inform the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), and (3) advance the application of quality improvement methods in local and state health departments by implementing mini-collaboratives in each state, focused on 2 of 10 MLC target areas.…”