Michaela Bonnett1, Meaghan Kennedy1, and Odiraa Okala1, Teri Garstka2

1Orange Sparkle Ball, 2Social Innovation Labs, The University of Kansas

Series: Georgia public health association 2024

Article #2

Original Publication Date: May 3rd, 2024

Publisher: Orange Sparkle Ball

Abstract

Background
Precision public health is an effective strategy for reaching the last mile in service delivery, but is frequently hampered by its dependence on unattainable data standards and the non-transferability of the solutions designed. This paper proposes a five-part system involving 1) dynamic data governance, 2) hyperlocal community data, 3) data synthesis and analysis, 4) the design and implementation of precision interventions, and 5) correlation between community data and traditional outcome data. Recent studies of community network data have found the connectedness of communities to be positively correlated with community social and environmental outcomes. Taking advantage of hyperlocal community data is therefore a promising approach to improve community outcomes by characterizing and optimizing for greater connectivity.
Methods
Collection and governance of hyper-local data that is community-owned can be accomplished through such transferable systems as IRIS, a community-led referral network originally designed for multi-sector social and healthcare organizations. Using this data, communities can identify precise areas of intervention through descriptive and network analysis techniques, and design a responsive, community-led intervention. Immersive Innovation Labs, an applied learning approach, is an effective methodology for the adaptive design of innovative precision interventions. This combination of approaches can empower communities and public health professionals.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the impact of chronic understaffing and skills gaps, particularly at the local level. This paper aims to broaden the definition of precision public health as a response, beyond the traditional application that is dependent on big, non-contextual data sources. Reframing precision public health to a methodology dependent on community-owned, ongoing data collection allows the design of hyper-local solutions while shifting the burden of scalability to data collection technology. While challenges in implementation remain, precision is necessary to make public health and communities more responsive and effective in delivering equitable health outcomes and reaching the last mile.

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Citation List

Canfell, O. J., Davidson, K., Woods, L., Sullivan, C., Cocoros, N. M., Klompas, M., Zambarano, B., Eakin, E., Littlewood, R., & Burton-Jones, A. (2022). Precision Public Health for Non-communicable Diseases: An Emerging Strategic Roadmap and Multinational Use Cases. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 854525. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.854525

Garstka, T., & Kennedy, M. (2023, October). Establishing a Responsive and Inclusive Governance Structure for Multi-Sector Technology and Data Collaborations [Conference Presentation]. US Census Bureau Data Innovation Summit, San Juan, Puerto Rico. https://datasymposium23.splashthat.com/

Rasmussen, S. A., Khoury, M. J., & del Rio, C. (2020). Precision Public Health as a Key Tool in the COVID-19 Response. JAMA, 324(10), 933–934. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.14992

University of Kansas. (2024). Adapting to Meet Emerging Needs | Connect with IRIS. https://connectwithiris.org/knowledgebase/adapting-meet-emerging-needs

van Staa, T.-P., Goldacre, B., Buchan, I., & Smeeth, L. (2016). Big health data: The need to earn public trust. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 354. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26946408

https://doi.org/10.61152/HBTW2644

Michaela Bonnett1, Meaghan Kennedy1, Sophie Becker1, and Odiraa Okala1

1Orange Sparkle Ball

Series: Georgia public health association 2024

Article #1

Original Publication Date: May 2nd, 2024

Publisher: Orange Sparkle Ball

Abstract

Brief Description
Innovative methods need to be integrated into public health thinking to accelerate change, a belief that led to the creation of our public health innovation cohorts. 11 participants were taught new ways of approaching problems and how to test with pilots. Thematic and network analysis of interviews, along with a 2-year follow-up, revealed an enduring shift in approach to problem-solving within their work.
Background
Public health tends to be siloed and reactive in solving new and existing problems. Innovation and the development of novel approaches requires cross-sectoral collaboration and thinking. The intentional development of new ideas and actionable programs is key to responding to emerging challenges. Immersive Innovation Labs is a guided approach to innovation focused on multidisciplinary collaboration and the creation of actionable solutions.
Methods
11 public health professionals and 12 student coaches participated in a 10-day Public Health Innovation Summit. Collaborative learning sessions, research, and guided innovation sessions were accompanied by interviews to gauge participant’s knowledge about and attitudes toward developing and implementing innovative solutions within the public health field. Interviews were analyzed for common themes using AI and influential concepts were identified using network analysis software. Follow-up interviews were conducted with participants and coaches 2 years later to determine the impact that the innovation training had on their careers and approach to problem-solving.
Results
Participants of the summit developed 11 pilot programs. 28 interviews and a post-summit feedback session revealed a shift in topical focus by betweenness centrality. Prior to the summit, participants focused on public health programming and actions (top 43% most influential nodes). After completing the innovation summit, participants shifted focus away from public health (top 6% most influential nodes) to the impact these techniques would have in their workplace, the creative approaches to problem-solving, and the new connections made during the summit.
Conclusion
Immersive Innovative Labs is an effective methodology for reframing the approach public health professionals have to solve new and existing problems. Guided coaching and cross-sectoral collaboration lead to innovation, producing new approaches and ideas. This technique has been effective in shaping mindsets beyond the session and has meaningfully impacted the careers of participants.

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Citation List

Bevc, C. A., H. Retrum, J., & M. Varda, D. (2015). New Perspectives on the “Silo Effect”: Initial Comparisons of Network Structures Across Public Health Collaboratives. American Journal of Public Health, 105(S2), S230–S235. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2014.302256

Consoli, D. (2007). Services and systemic innovation: A cross-sectoral analysis. Journal of Institutional Economics, 3(1), 71–89. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1744137406000567

Isada, F. (2021). The Partnership Network Structure of Automakers under Radical Technological Change. Business Systems Research Journal, 12(2), 95–113. https://doi.org/10.2478/bsrj-2021-0021