4024.0: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - Board 2

Abstract #29701

A descriptive evaluation of an emerging collaboration: Lessons from the American Cancer Society

Scott D. Rhodes, PhD(c), MPH, CHES1, Connie Kohler, DrPH1, and Lori Langner2. (1) Department of Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Ryals Building 227, 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, 205/934.6020, rhodes@uab.edu, (2) American Cancer Society, Birmingham, AL

Background: The TRIAD is a collaboration to facilitate cancer control and prevention initiatives and improve care in communities within the Mid-South Division of the American Cancer Society (ACS). States in the Division include Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky.

Objectives: (1) To determine the extent to which the TRIAD is facilitating the process of setting ACS Division objectives; (2) to determine the perceived level of responsiveness of the Division to TRIAD input; and, (3) to explore participants' experiences with the collaboration.

Design: A naturalistic case study approach was taken. Key community leaders were interviewed. An anonymous survey was sent to the TRIAD mailing list, including those who do not participate in TRIAD activities, that measured respondent demographics, attitudes towards the collaborative process, and perceived primary and secondary outcomes.

Results: Of all mailing-list members, 85% returned a completed survey; 92% felt that the TRIAD was successful, defining success as (1) the use of data to develop local objectives, and (2) working with a variety of individuals with diverse strengths. A collaboration satisfaction scale (alpha=.91) indicated that respondents were satisfied with the collaboration, their roles, the process, and the time spent working with the collaboration.

Discussion: The collaboration was perceived as effective in meeting local community needs. Although collaboration was viewed as a slow process, respondents felt that efforts should focus on developing still wider community participation. The collaboration was credited with producing more targeted objectives and intervention activities, and more measurable outcomes than had been developed prior to the collaboration's existence.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

  1. List the advantages and disadvantages of using a community-based collaborative effort to facilitate cancer control and prevention in the Mid-South Division of the American Cancer Society;
  2. Assess the effectiveness of using a participatory community-based approach to setting objectives and designing interventions;
  3. Appreciate the growing pains associated with community-based collaborations.

Keywords: Evaluation, Community Participation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA