Lessons from the MAPP demonstration sites

Abstract

This article describes one component of a three-part evaluation of a community health improvement model called MAPP (Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships). This component examined the use of MAPP by nine local public health agencies that acted as demonstration sites. Using qualitative data from telephone interviews, focus group data, and document reviews, the evaluators identified four themes associated with how MAPP was implemented and the factors that influenced implementation. A level of activity was assigned to each site for each of the four themes. Combining data from multiple demonstration sites, evaluators characterized common activities for each theme. Findings reveal that those sites with health director buy-in and full-time coordination for MAPP were associated with high levels of partnership development. The MAPP Web site, in its current state, does not appear to provide an advantage over using a printed copy of MAPP. Evaluation data from training programs and Web site users (the other two components of the evaluation) support key findings from the demonstration sites and reveal crosscutting themes for all components of the MAPP evaluation. Investigating other situational and contextual factors that influence the nature and success of MAPP implementation would be useful.