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Title:    Evaluation of the Community Services Development Strategy

 

Principal Investigator:  Nelly D. Oelke, HSWRU, Calgary Health Region

 

Funding Source: Internally funded by the Calgary Health Region

 

Objectives:

 

Evaluation objectives and questions are currently under development.

 

Background:

 

The Calgary Health Region has developed a Community Service Development (CSD) Strategy to guide a process of renewal within primary health, and ensure planning efforts are comprehensive and consistent throughout the health system. Following the direction of the Region’s Strategic Service Plan, the CSD Strategy establishes an overall framework for health system change within communities and identifies the tools, structures and resources required to achieve desired results. Goals of CSD include: community focus (transformation to a community-focused organization); integration and sustainability (integrated, innovative and sustainable community-based health system to improve overall population health and reduce health disparities); and, pro-active primary health (primary health strategies incorporated into all aspects of service delivery to meet community needs). Six approaches are being utilized to implement the strategy goals. These include: develop partnerships; introduce innovation to the workplace; focus on consumer experience; emphasize wellness & community; integrate approach to care; and, embrace technology. A beginning focus for CSD is the East Calgary Health Services Initiative (ECHSI). The Health of the Region report (2005) identified several health disparities for those living in this geographical area. Key areas of concern were specific health issues, access to health services including interpretation and translation, knowledge and coordination of services, need for advocacy, need for a new Community Health Centre (CHC) and need for a Human Resource Strategy. The initiative builds upon existing services that already exist in the community.

 

Methods:

 

An evaluation framework is being developed and will be completed later this year. Evaluation activities will utilize a mixed methods approach to assess the CSD Strategy and its impact on outcomes at various levels.

 

Project Team and Partners: 

 

Project Lead: Nelly Oelke, HSWRU;

Co-Leads:  Micheline Nimmock, CSD and Lance Nelson, ECHSI

Other Project Team Members: Paola Charland, HSWRU

 

Research Partners:

Community Services Development Strategy

East Calgary Health Services Initiative

Presentations/Publications/Updates: None at this time

 

Time Frame: 2007- Ongoing

 

Contact Information:

 

Nelly Oelke

Office: (403) 943-1177

Fax: (403) 943-0199

nelly.oelke@albertahealthservices.ca