Changing Population Health Policy: A Model for Identifying Health Needs and Recommendations to Improve Health Status

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Health Policy Analysis

Background:

• The North Dakota Center for Rural Health (CRH) conducted an objective assessment of the state's oral health environment in 2014.
• The assessment encompassed oral health status, workforce needs, existing programs, and policy recommendations for the North Dakota Legislative Health Services Interim Committee.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight a novel research methodology for assessing population health needs and formulating policy recommendations.
• To demonstrate a model for statewide collaboration, transparent processes, and objective analysis applicable to diverse health specialties.
• To answer key questions regarding population health needs, current interventions, and improvement strategies.

Main Methods:

• Employed a research method focused on statewide collaboration, transparency, and objective analysis.
• Integrated end-user input and community involvement throughout the research process.
• Utilized a framework to identify population health needs, existing services, and actionable recommendations.

Main Results:

• Developed and applied a research methodology for comprehensive health environment assessment.
• Identified specific oral health needs and policy gaps within North Dakota.
• Generated evidence-based recommendations for improving population health services.

Conclusions:

• Effective health policy requires integrating population input with data-driven analysis.
• The described research methodology is adaptable for assessing population health needs in other states and health disciplines.
• Community-engaged research is crucial for developing relevant and effective health solutions.