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Community assessment in a vertically integrated health care system
M Plescia1, S Koontz, S Laurent
1Department of Family Medicine, Carolinas Healthcare System, Charlotte, NC, USA. mplescia@carolinas.org
American Journal of Public Health
|May 10, 2001
Summary
Community health assessments using geographic information systems (GIS) technology effectively identify specific needs and engage residents in health promotion. This approach integrates public health and medicine for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
- Geospatial Health Informatics
Background:
- Large, vertically integrated health care systems require effective community assessment strategies.
- Understanding community needs is crucial for targeted health service delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case study on implementing community assessment within a large health care system.
- To demonstrate the application of assessment findings in service planning and health promotion.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology for secondary data analysis.
- Collected primary data through community surveys and asset mapping.
- Focused on a geographically defined community.
Main Results:
- Gathered data on demographics, prevalent health issues, healthcare access, and community perceptions.
- Identified key community assets.
- Informed the planning of services for a new health center.
- Facilitated community engagement in health promotion initiatives.
Conclusions:
- Geographically focused assessments are vital for addressing specific community health needs.
- This methodology promotes active community participation in health initiatives.
- The project exemplifies the practical integration of medicine and public health principles.