title: The mobilizing action toward community health partnership study: multisector partnerships in US counties with improving health metrics.
abstract: Multisector partnerships are promoted as a mechanism to improve population health. This study explored the types and salient features of multisector partnerships in US counties with improving population health metrics.
  
  
  
  We used the "Framework for Understanding Cross-Sector Collaborations" proposed by Bryson, Crosby, and Stone to guide data collection and interpretation. Comparative case studies were conducted in 4 counties selected on the basis of population, geographic region, an age-adjusted mortality decline better than the US average, and stable per capita income. Data were collected through website and report reviews and through in-depth interviews with key informants (N = 59) representing multiple sectors. County reports were developed and cross-case themes related to partnership types and salient features were derived.
  
  
  
  Multisector collaboration was common in all 4 counties despite substantial variations in population, geographic size, demographic diversity, and other characteristics. Most partnerships were formed by professionals and organizations to improve delivery of health and social services to vulnerable populations or to generate policy, system, and environment changes. Multisector collaboration was valued in all cases. Outcomes attributed to partnerships included short- and long-term effects that contributed to improved population health.
  
  
  
  The Bryson, Crosby, and Stone model is a useful framework for conducting case study research on multisector partnerships. Outcomes attributed to the multisector partnerships have the potential to contribute to improvement in population health. Further study is needed to confirm whether multisector partnerships are necessary for improving population health within counties and to understand which partnership characteristics are critical for success.
authors.affiliation: Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor, School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, H6/240 CSC, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792-2455. Email: sjzahner@wisc.edu.
authors.forename: Susan J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Zahner
authors.affiliation: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
authors.forename: Thomas R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Oliver
authors.affiliation: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
authors.forename: Kirstin Q
authors.initials: KQ
authors.lastname: Siemering
mesh_terms: D019058:Community Networks / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D055818:Public-Private Sector Partnerships; D036301:Qualitative Research; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D012947:Social Work / Q000592:standards; D014481:United States