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The environmental assessment instrument: harnessing the environment for programmatic success
S René Lavinghouze1, Ann W Price, Beverly Parsons
1Evaluation Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Oral Health, 4770 Buford Hwy F-10, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. rlavinghouze@cdc.gov
Health Promotion Practice
|April 18, 2009
Summary
Public health professionals can use the Environmental Assessment Instrument (EAI) to analyze environmental factors impacting program success. This tool helps identify strategies to overcome barriers and leverage environmental support for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Program Management
- Environmental Health Assessment
Background:
- Effective public health programs require consideration of the operating environment.
- An integrated systems approach necessitates analyzing environmental influences on program implementation.
- State oral health programs need tools to understand environmental impacts on performance objectives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the Environmental Assessment Instrument (EAI).
- To provide a method for public health professionals to analyze environmental factors.
- To guide the engagement of the program's environment for improved outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Development of the Environmental Assessment Instrument (EAI) by the Division of Oral Health, CDC.
- Utilizing EAI to assess the environment's impact on state oral health program performance.
- Plotting EAI results on a four-quadrant grid categorizing change (stagnant, disruptive, continuous, sporadic).
Main Results:
- EAI facilitates understanding of environmental influences on program objectives.
- Environmental assessment identifies key leverage points and barriers.
- Categorization of environmental change aids in strategy development.
Conclusions:
- Assessing environmental influences is crucial for public health program success.
- The EAI provides a framework for analyzing and engaging program environments.
- Strategic planning can be enhanced by understanding and addressing environmental factors.
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