Improving Priority Population Participation through Effective Outreach

Summary

Impact Statement:

This Michigan Department of Community Health QI project sought to increase the number of grants reaching priority populations in response to requests for proposals (RFP) for tobacco control. The team used a survey to gather data on the biggest barriers to applying for grants that would reach the populations most affected by tobacco use or second hand smoke exposure. Based on changes in the RFP process, the department expects to have ten additional agencies to apply for support to reach priority populations in the coming year. As a result of this QI project, other MDCH programs are now adopting QI processes to improve their programs.

Summary:

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Tobacco Section sought to improve its Request for Proposal (RFP) process for organizations representing populations most affected by tobacco use. Since 2007, the number of priority populations that have applied and received tobacco funding has decreased, yet tobacco usage rates remain high. The aim statement was to improve the Tobacco Control Program effectiveness and increase the reach (number) of organizations representing populations most affected by use and secondhand smoke exposure and that indicate future intent to apply for funding from 6 to 16. A survey of representatives from these populations was conducted, and 15 of 18 respondents (83%) said they are very likely to apply. Two respondents said they are somewhat likely to apply. These process improvements will be applied to the RFP process in its next round in 2014.

Organization that conducted the QI initiative:

MDCH

Citation:

Tews, D. Public Health Quality Improvement Exchange. Improving Priority Population Participation through Effective Outreach. Wed, 05/28/2014 - 22:06. Available at https://www.phqix.org/content/improving-priority-population-participation-through-effective-outreach. Accessed December 7, 2023.

Background and Aim

Planning and Execution Details

Results

Measurable QI Outcomes:

The survey was sent to 25 agencies; the response rate was 72% (18 out of 25). Some of the agencies were late in responding, perhaps because they have no experience working with the MDCH Tobacco Section or their managers were on summer vacation. Fifteen out of 18 (83%) agencies stated they are very likely to apply, and 2 said they are somewhat likely to apply. Only 1 agency indicated that it was not likely to apply. For another question regarding the number of individuals who will actually be served by this funding, only 10 out of 18 agencies responded, with a total of about 30,000 individuals to be served during the funding period. The other 8 organizations were not prepared or were unsure about how to accurately answer the question. The team believes that these results match the team’s theory of increasing the number of agencies that indicate future intent to apply for funding.

Lessons Learned, Observations and Insights:

The Tobacco Section’s quality improvement (QI) team held a meeting with new and existing community partners to determine what factors have the greatest impact on an agency’s decision to respond to the Tobacco Section’s RFP. The QI team was able to gather data on the biggest barriers for new agencies to apply and potential barriers for agencies that have applied in the past. As a result of this meeting, new relationships were built with community partners that had not previously worked with MDCH’s Tobacco Section. Also, as a result of the Tobacco Section’s experience and success with this QI project, the Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Control (DCDIC) has decided to include a QI component in its new employee orientation. DCDIC has also volunteered to participate in two additional QI projects in 2014, which supports the Public Health Administration’s agency-wide goal of spreading a culture of QI throughout the organization.

Future Plans:

The team generated survey results that confirm that if the Tobacco Section makes specific changes to the RFP and the outreach process, then it can achieve the program goal of increasing by 10 the number of agencies representing disparately affected populations that are likely to apply for funding. These improvements will be applied to the RFP and the RFP process in its next round in 2014.

Improving Priority Population Participation through Effective Outreach

Summary

Background and Aim

Planning and Execution Details

Results

Training and Preparation

Information about the Community

Information about the Health Department

QI Staff Information

Accreditation Details

Contact Information of the Submitter

QI Spotlight

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Improving Priority Population Participation through Effective Outreach

Summary

Background and Aim

Planning and Execution Details

Results

Training and Preparation

Information about the Community

Information about the Health Department

QI Staff Information

Accreditation Details

Contact Information of the Submitter

QI Spotlight