| A study of strategic planning within local public health agencies (LPHAs) was conducted using a two-phased, mixed-methods research design featuring descriptive quantitative methods and case study qualitative methods. Forty-four LPHAs were surveyed to determine the surface features of their strategic planning activities. These data were merged with data from two existing national surveys of LPHA characteristics and their broader planning activities to profile LPHA strategic planning. The profile was compared to two logic models and examined in depth through the case study of four LPHAs selected using a criterion-driven tool based on the characteristics of their strategic planning activities.; The data indicated that LPHAs are conducting strategic planning for reasons parallel to those of other sectors that have used strategic planning. LPHAs are facing and recognize external forces and trends, see their impact on more local and internal conditions, and are initiating strategic responses.; Public health agencies that conduct strategic planning tend to be larger, have a greater involvement with managed care and relationships with external organizations, and have more experience with traditional public health planning. The approach to strategic planning is heavily influenced by prior planning experience, especially the Assessment Protocol for Excellence in Public Health (APEX/PH), and standard strategic planning approaches originating in other sectors are not often adopted. Prior planning experience, especially with APEX/PH, appears to prepare LPHAs to conduct strategic planning.; All elements of a typical strategic planning process were found in the strategic planning conducted by LPHAs. A sizable proportion of the LPHAs that were surveyed along with all cases had planning processes which matched the logic models. Other markers of strategic planning were also present indicating that LPHAs are actually conducting strategic planning as opposed to a repetition of their prior planning activities. Outcomes from public health strategic planning appeared to be consistent with those achieved by other sectors, but different from those achieved by LPHAs in their prior planning efforts supporting the unique benefits of LPHA strategic planning for achieving organizational effectiveness. |
