Accreditation of Rural Health Departments: Social, Economic, Cultural and Regional Factors

Year: 2012
Funding: Jr Investigator Award
Status: Completed

Overview

As the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) begins its voluntary accreditation program, it is important to understand what organizational, structural, and workforce factors relate to the likelihood of local health departments (LHD) seeking accreditation under PHAB.  Results. Multiple factors were associated with the accreditation variables including: population served, top executive’s highest degree, having specialized public health professionals (e.g. environmental health workers, epidemiologist, and health educators), development of a health improvement plan, development of a strategic plan, and implementation of a formal quality improvement program.  As the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) begins its voluntary accreditation program, it is important to understand what organizational, structural, and workforce factors relate to the likelihood of local health departments (LHD) seeking accreditation under PHAB. Conclusion. Accreditation is an important part of strengthening the public health infrastructure. Future research should employ actual accreditation as the dependent variable. However, the current results may be helpful in targeting and marketing efforts to encourage increased accreditation among local health departments.

Researcher

Kate Beatty, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Mentor

Kathleen Wojciehowski, JD
Director, Missouri Institute for Community Health

Publications

Presentations

  • Local Health Departments’ Intentions to Seek Accreditation through PHAB’s National Voluntary Accreditation Program (AcademyHealth Public Health Systems Research Interest Group Meeting, June 2013)
  • Organizational and Structural Factors Related to Voluntary Accreditation of Local Health Departments in Missouri (PHSSR Keeneland Conference, April 2013)
  • Influences and Barriers to Rural Health Department Accreditation in Missouri (PHSSR Keeneland Conference, April 2013)

Research Areas