A model for building collective capacity in community-based programs: the Elderly in Need Project.

Area of Science:

• Community Health
• Health Promotion
• Public Health Nursing

Background:

• Health promotion is shifting focus from individuals to broader societal levels.
• Public health nurses (PHNs) are increasingly involved in community capacity building.
• Existing models require reevaluation to support community-level interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illuminate the process of community capacity building.
• To identify factors and processes involved in strengthening community ability to grow and change.
• To develop and validate a model for building collective capacity.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative data from an action research project focused on reducing isolation in frail older adults.
• Analysis centered on identifying capacity-building factors and processes.
• Model clarification and partial validation with health promotion academics and practitioners.

Main Results:

• Four distinct stages of building collective capacity were identified: identifying common ground, working cooperatively, working in partnership, and working across the community.
• Each stage involved specific processes in relationship building, project management, and capacity building.
• Stage-specific products emerged from these processes.

Conclusions:

• A model for building collective capacity in community health practice was developed and partially validated.
• This model is grounded in practice and supported by existing literature.
• The model provides a foundation for developing practice indicators and guidelines to enhance health goal achievement.