How would you begin the planning process? Outline five initial steps you would take in planning a strategy to address this issue.

DQ1: As a program manager in a public health department tasked with increasing physical activity of adults in the community, the following five initial steps can be taken to plan a strategy: (1) Define the problem to be addressed, (2) Conduct a community assessment to identify the root cause and the affected population, (3) Develop and prioritize program objectives based on the assessed needs, (4) Design interventions and interventions delivery strategies, and (5) Establish evaluation indicators to monitor program progress and effectiveness. An essential tool in developing an intervention is the use of evidence-based practices and program theories to design and select interventions that are appropriate and effective for the population (Developing an Intervention, 2023). Additionally, involving stakeholders in the planning process, including the targeted population, community groups, and local health agencies, is crucial to ensure the program meets their needs and has buy-in (Wheel Manual, 2023).

DQ2: In my practicum setting, the interventions being used include public health education campaigns on health promotion and disease prevention, community engagement activities, and collaboration with community stakeholders to improve access to health services. These interventions align with the organizational goals of promoting health equity, increasing access to healthcare, and reducing health disparities. Additional evidence-based practice interventions to improve public health outcomes include promoting physical activity through built environment modification, such as creating walking and bike paths, and improving nutrition access and healthy food choices through zoning and tax incentives (Access, Barriers, and Opportunities, 2023; Improving Services, 2023). Also, community health worker programs and telehealth services have shown to be effective in increasing access to care and improving health outcomes in vulnerable populations (Minnesota Department of Health, n.d).

References:

Developing an Intervention. (2023). Community Tool Box. Retrieved from https://ctb.ku.edu/en/developing-intervention

Minnesota Department of Health. (n.d.). Public Health Interventions Applications for Public Health Nursing Practice (Wheel Manual). Retrieved from https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/practice/research/phncouncil/wheel.html

Access, Barriers, and Opportunities. (2023). Community Tool Box. Retrieved from https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/implement/access-barriers-opportunities

Improving Services. (2023). Community Tool Box. Retrieved from https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/implement/improving-services