title: A case study examination of structure and function in a state health department chronic disease unit.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  I explored the structural and operational practices of the chronic disease prevention and control unit of a state health department and proposed a conceptual model of structure, function, and effectiveness for future study.
  
  
  METHODS
  My exploratory case study examined 7 elements of organizational structure and practice. My interviews with staff and external stakeholders of a single chronic disease unit yielded quantitative and qualitative data that I coded by perspective, process, relationship, and activity. I analyzed these for patterns and emerging themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Chi-square analysis revealed significant correlations among collaboration with goal ambiguity, political support, and responsiveness, and evidence-based decisions with goal ambiguity and responsiveness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although my study design did not permit conclusions about causality, my findings suggested that some elements of the model might facilitate effectiveness for chronic disease units and should be studied further. My findings might have important implications for identifying levers around which capacity can be built that may strengthen effectiveness.
authors.affiliation: At the time of this study, Jeanne Alongi was with the Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
authors.forename: Jeanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Alongi
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D006801:Humans; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D011057:Politics; D011361:Professional Competence; D011635:Public Health Administration; D013219:State Government; D013597:Systems Analysis