Improving cross-sector collaborations for rural health projects

This article introduces a practical framework for advancing place-based population health collaborations in rural areas. The framework is based on a review of existing literature as well as a set of interviews with project stakeholders, including health providers, local councils, and community organizations.

The framework is designed to the help bridge the gap between high-level policy and "on-the-ground" implementation. It underscores the importance of having a "core team" of people involved. These people can ensure that the local context is accounted for early in the project, and their consistent involvement can prevent knowledge loss. The authors also argue that appointing a neutral broker helps drive collaboration, manage conflicts, and maintain momentum, especially in complex projects involving multiple government and non-government sectors.

Finally, the framework emphasizes the importance of pre-project planning which may take up to 18 months to unfold, and the authors caution against rushing into implementation.

Improving cross-sector collaborations in place-based population health projects
Authors: Kenneth Lo and Craig Lockwood
Published: 2022, Public Health in Practice