The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #55320

Judith M. Dunlop, MSW, PhD, School of Social Work, University of Windsor, P.O. Box 33830, Detroit, MI 48232, (519) 253-3000, dunlopf@uwindsor.ca

The lack of conceptualization of how interorganizational collaboration is implemented among community partners is an emerging research problem in public health. The deficit reduction policies of federal and provincial (state) governments in an era of downloading have led to the resurgence of interest in collaboration for service integration in an attempt to meet the needs of children and families.

This research study explored state mandated local collaboration in the Healthy Babies/Healthy Children (HBHC) Program in Ontario, Canada. A conceptual framework was developed from the theoretical and empirical literature on interorganizational relations, collaboration and community practice.

A thematic analysis of the interview data resulted in the development of six themes of collaboration found to influence the implementation of the HBHC networks at a community level: 1) Historical Conditions; 2) Institutional Conditions, 3) Financial Conditions, 4) Operational Processes, 5) Organizational Processes and 6) Relational Processes.

This study confirmed that a history of working together locally was an important influence on collaboration, suggesting that collaboration may be a learned practice skill requiring commitment, loyalty and time. The study also confirmed that central government mandates for collaboration are not as important as local autonomy and decision making. The data suggested that central governments should resist a "cookie cutter" approach to implementing local collaborative networks. As governments increasingly mandate collaboration as a mechanism for integrated health and social services, public health nurses will need managerial competencies in collaborative practice at institutional and community levels.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, the learner will be able to:
• Identify the three environmental pre-conditions and three interactional processes that influence local collaboration
• Identify managerial competencies required to develop collaborative partnership networks in local communities
• Articulate how central government mandates for local collaboration are implemented in local communities

Keywords: Community Collaboration, Community-Based Public Health

Related Web page: www.uwindsor.ca/dunlop

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Public health units/departments in the province of Ontario, Canada (non-identified)
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.