Future of the infertility prevention project: Using the impact assessment methodology to understand change on a local level

The IPP is an STD prevention program focused on reducing the prevalence of PID through enhanced and targeted chlamydia and gonorrhea (CT/GC) screening. Passed in May 2010, PPACA will open new screening opportunities for young/adult females which will carry substantial consequences for the program moving forward. JSI utilized a multifaceted research approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Qualitative data were collected from FP and STD field experts. Quantitative data was collected through three distinct national surveys. A total of 955 surveys were completed. Additionally, 90 qualitative interviews with FP and STD field experts were completed. The most universal sentiment expressed was that of uncertainty. Conducting strategic planning in an uncertain, changing and confusing environment is extremely difficult on the local level due to a lack of resources such as staff expertise, funding and training opportunities. In addition, economic pressures continue to affect programmatic decision-making and most local agencies will likely not be in a position to hire or continue contracting with external consultants to help them understand and prepare for change. Local agencies need to develop strategies for understanding (a) the most pertinent sections of PPACA which will directly affect their agency (b) how, exactly, their agency will be impacted by those sections and (c) how they should adapt in order to mitigate threats to sustainability while capitalizing on new opportunities. Building capacity to conduct local level strategic impact assessments is an integral step towards achieving sustainability of the public health service sector in a changing healthcare landscape.