title: From model to action: using a system dynamics model of chronic disease risks to align community action.
abstract: Health planners in Austin, Texas, are using a System Dynamics Model of Cardiovascular Disease Risks (SD model) to align prevention efforts and maximize the effect of limited resources. The SD model was developed using available evidence of disease prevalence, risk factors, local contextual factors, resulting health conditions, and their impact on population health. Given an interest in understanding opportunities for upstream health protection, the SD model focused on the portion of the population that has never had a cardiovascular event. Leaders in Austin used this interactive simulation model as a catalyst for convening diverse stakeholders in thinking about their strategic directions and policy priorities. Health officials shared insights from the model with a range of organizations in an effort to align actions and leverage assets in the community to promote healthier conditions for all. This article summarizes the results from several simulated intervention scenarios focusing specifically on conditions in East Travis County, an area marked by higher prevalence of adverse living conditions and related chronic diseases. The article also describes the formation of a new Chronic Disease Prevention Coalition in Austin, along with shifts in its members' perceived priorities for intervention both before and after interactions with the SD model.
authors.affiliation: Texas Department of State Health Services, Georgetown, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Heather Karina
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Loyo
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Batcher
authors.forename: Kristina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wile
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Orenstein
authors.forename: Bobby
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Milstein
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D003256:Community Participation; D006285:Health Planning; D006291:Health Policy; D006292:Health Priorities; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012307:Risk Factors; D013781:Texas