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. 2015 Apr;105 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):e15-22.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302354. Epub 2015 Feb 17.

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

Jeanne Alongi  1
Affiliations

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

Jeanne Alongi. Am J Public Health. 2015 Apr.

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 evidence-based decisions with goal ambiguity and responsiveness.

Conclusions: Although my study design did not permit conclusions about causality, my findings suggested that some elements of the model 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.

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Figures

FIGURE 1—
FIGURE 1—
Conceptual model of organizational attributes and practices in state health department chronic disease units.
FIGURE 2—
FIGURE 2—
Organizational attributes and practices relationships in state health department chronic disease units.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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