Accreditation Seeking Decisions in Local Health Departments

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

4-20-2015

Description

Background: Accreditation of local health departments (LHDs) has been identified as a crucial strategy for strengthening the public health infrastructure. Research Objective: To identify the role of organizational and structural factors on accreditation-seeking decisions of LHDs. Of particular interest is the effect of rurality on the likelihood of seeking accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Data Sets and Sources: Data were obtained from the NACCHO 2013 National Profile of Local Health Departments Study (2013 Profile Study). The 2013 Profile Study includes a core questionnaire (core,) that was sent to all LHDs, and two modules, sent to a sample. Variables were selected from the core and module one for this project. LHDs were coded as “urban”, “micropolitan”, or “rural” based on Rural/Urban Commuting Area codes for the zip code of the LHD address. “Micropolitan” includes census tracts with towns of between 10,000 and 49,999 population and census tracts tied to these towns through commuting. “Rural” includes census tracts with small towns of fewer than 10,000 population, tracts tied to small towns, and isolated census tracts. Both “micropolitan” and “rural” categories are considered rural by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. Study Design: Cross-sectional. Analysis: Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to predict PHAB accreditation decision. The variable for PHAB accreditation decision was created from the 2013 Profile Study question, “Which of the following best describes your LHD with respect to participation in the PHAB’s accreditation program for LHDs?” LHDs that selected “My LHD has submitted an application for accreditation” or “My LHD has submitted a statement of Intent” were coded as “Seeking PHAB Accreditation.” LHDs that selected “My LHD has decided NOT to apply for accreditation” or “The state health agency is pursuing accreditation on behalf of my LHD” were coded as “Not Seeking PHAB Accreditation.” Predictors included variables related to rurality, governance, funding, and workforce. Findings: From a sample of 448, approximately 6% of LHDs surveyed had either submitted their letter of intent or full accreditation application. Over two-thirds were either not seeking accreditation or deferring to the state agency. LHDs located in urban communities were 30.6 times (95% CI: 10.1, 93.2) more likely to seek accreditation compared to rural LHDs. LHDs with a local board of health were 3.5 times (95% CI: 1.6, 7.7) more likely to seek accreditation (controlling for rurality). Additionally, employing an epidemiologist (aOR=2.4, 95% CI: 1.2, 4.9), having a strategic plan (aOR=14.7, 95% CI: 6.7, 32.2), and higher per capita revenue (aOR=1.02, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.02) were associated with higher likelihood of seeking PHAB accreditation. Conclusions: Specific geographic, governance, leadership, and workforce factors were associated with intention to seek accreditation. Implications: Rural LHDs are less likely to seek accreditation. This lower likelihood of seeking accreditation likely relates to a myriad of challenges (e.g., lower levels of staffing and funding). Simultaneously, rural populations experience health disparities related to risky health behaviors, health outcomes, and access to medical care. Through accreditation, rural LHDs can become better equipped to meet the needs of their communities.

Location

Lexington, KY

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