Strengthening Public Health Through Primary Care and Public Health Collaboration: Innovative State Approaches

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Systems Integration

Background:

• Partnerships between public health and primary care are crucial for achieving public health goals.
• Understanding the strategies states employ to foster these connections is essential for strengthening public health infrastructure.

Approach:

• A literature review of collaborative efforts between primary care and public health was conducted.
• Semistructured interviews were held with 17 state leaders from North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington (January-March 2023).
• Leaders described their approaches to data sharing, communication, and systems change for improved integration.

Key Points:

• State strategies involve relationship building, establishing coordinating bodies with clear roles, and identifying essential system elements for change.
• Integration efforts are predominantly supported by the well-resourced medical care system, with less emphasis on the public health system.
• Successful integration requires intentional efforts in relationship building, leadership development, payment reform, and data interoperability.

Conclusions:

• States are implementing innovative strategies to enhance collaboration between public health and primary care.
• Key components for successful integration include backbone organizations, leadership training, payment reform, interoperable data platforms, and relationship cultivation.
• Strengthening public health systems through collaboration with primary care and community organizations is vital for improving population health outcomes.