title: A framework to measure the value of public health services.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop a framework that public health practitioners could use to measure the value of public health services.
  
  
  METHODS
  Primary data were collected from August 2006 through March 2007. We interviewed (n=46) public health practitioners in four states, leaders of national public health organizations, and academic researchers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a semi-structured interview protocol, we conducted a series of qualitative interviews to define the component parts of value for public health services and identify methodologies used to measure value and data collected.
  
  
  METHODS
  The primary form of analysis is descriptive, synthesizing information across respondents as to how they measure the value of their services.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our interviews did not reveal a consensus on how to measure value or a specific framework for doing so. Nonetheless, the interviews identified some potential strategies, such as cost accounting and performance-based contracting mechanisms. The interviews noted implementation barriers, including limits to staff capacity and data availability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We developed a framework that considers four component elements to measure value: external factors that must be taken into account (i.e., mandates); key internal actions that a local health department must take (i.e., staff assessment); using appropriate quantitative measures; and communicating value to elected officials and the public.
authors.affiliation: Center for Law, Ethics, and Health, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA. pdj@umich.edu
authors.forename: Peter D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Jacobson
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Neumann
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D015276:Health Care Rationing; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011635:Public Health Administration / Q000191:economics*; D015980:Public Health Practice / Q000191:economics*; D014481:United States
references.citation: Milbank Q. 2002;80(1):97-124
references.pmid: 11933795
references.citation: Am J Public Health. 2008 Dec;98(12):2173-80
references.pmid: 18923123