Objectives. We examined which local health department (LHD)-levei factors
contributed to successful implementation of policy, systems, and environmental
change strategies in Minnesota.
Methods. We used a retrospective mixed-methods design to evaluate the
relationship between the Statewide Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) grant
initiative and key predictor variables (2009-2011). We obtained quantitative
capacity data for 91 cities and counties in Minnesota; in addition, we conducted
15 key informant interviews to examine factors that facilitated and acted as
barriers to LHD performance.
Results. Grantee performance was distributed as follows: exceeds expecta
tions (29.7%), meets expectations (55.0%), and is approaching expectations
(15.3%). Organizational quality improvement (Ql) maturity was strongly posi
tively associated with grantee performance on SHIP. Organizations with high Ql
maturity, effective leadership, efficient decision-making, and successful regional
or cross-jurisdictional partnerships were more likely to be rated as exceeding
expectations.
Conclusions. This study successfully translated practice-based research find
ings into tangible outcomes, including new system-level performance measures
for local public health and recommendations for shaping the statewide initiative
examined in this study. The approach taken in this study to systematically
monitor communications, dissemination, and translation may be a model
for others. (Am J Public Health. 2015;105:S311-S317. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2014.
302419)