title: Outcomes of Interorganizational Networks in Canada for Chronic Disease Prevention: Insights From a Concept Mapping Study, 2015.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We conducted a mixed methods study from June 2014 to March 2015 to assess the perspectives of stakeholders in networks that adopt a population approach for chronic disease prevention (CDP). The purpose of the study was to identify important and feasible outcome measures for monitoring network performance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants from CDP networks in Canada completed an online concept mapping exercise, which was followed by interviews with network stakeholders to further understand the findings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nine concepts were considered important outcomes of CDP networks: enhanced learning, improved use of resources, enhanced or increased relationships, improved collaborative action, network cohesion, improved system outcomes, improved population health outcomes, improved practice and policy planning, and improved intersectoral engagement. Three themes emerged from participant interviews related to measurement of the identified concepts: the methodological difficulties in measuring network outcomes, the dynamic nature of network evolution and function and implications for outcome assessment, and the challenge of measuring multisectoral engagement in CDP networks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results from this study provide initial insights into concepts that can be used to describe the outcomes of networks for CDP and may offer foundations for strengthening network outcome-monitoring strategies and methodologies.
authors.affiliation: Propel Centre for Population Health Impact at the University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1. Email: cdwillis@uwaterloo.ca.
authors.forename: Cameron
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Willis
authors.affiliation: Propel Centre for Population Health Impact and the School of Public Health and Health Systems, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario.
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kernoghan
authors.affiliation: Propel Centre for Population Health Impact and the School of Public Health and Health Systems, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Riley
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.
authors.forename: Janice
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Popp
authors.affiliation: Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, and the School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia.
authors.forename: Allan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Best
authors.affiliation: School of Government and Public Policy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.
authors.forename: H Brinton
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Milward
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019058:Community Networks / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011322:Primary Prevention; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires