A Logic Model for Evaluating the Academic Health Department

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Management
• Academic-Practice Partnerships

Background:

• Academic Health Departments (AHDs) are collaborations between academic institutions and public health practice settings.
• Existing literature primarily consists of case studies, lacking formal evaluations of AHDs.
• A standardized evaluation framework is needed to understand the impact of AHDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a general theory of change for AHDs using a logic model.
• To demonstrate the customization of this logic model for a specific AHD.
• To identify future research questions regarding AHDs and their impact.

Main Methods:

• Development of a general logic model outlining the pathway from AHD activities to community-level public health outcomes.
• Adaptation of the general logic model to a specific AHD case example.
• Identification of research questions based on the logic model framework.

Main Results:

• A logic model framework was developed to conceptualize AHD impact.
• The logic model provides a structure for evaluating AHDs' contributions to public health.
• Customization of the model for a specific AHD illustrates its practical application.

Conclusions:

• Logic models are effective tools for assessing the value and impact of Academic Health Departments.
• This framework can guide future evaluations and research on AHDs.
• Standardized evaluation methods are essential for optimizing AHD effectiveness in public health.