Barriers and Facilitators to Collaboration Between Local Health Departments and Schools and Programs of Public Health – A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

Collaboration between local health departments (LHDs) and schools and programs of public health (SPPH) have potential to improve public health practice, education and research. However, little is known about the barriers and facilitators to LHD and SPPH collaboration. The purpose of this paper is to identify and explore factors that affect the level of collaboration between LHDs and SPPH. A mixed-methods study was used. LHD characteristics associated with the degree of collaboration with SPPH were identified thorough a survey, and these and other factors were explored through group interviews with LHD practitioners and faculty from SPPH. Proximity, community size, organizational capacity, and goal and process clarity were all found to influence the degree of collaboration. This study highlights needs and opportunities for expanding collaboration between LHDs and SPPH.