7 Steps to “Jump Start” the NPHPSP Local Instrument Version 2 Project

To assist in the NPHPSP Local Instrument Version 2 assessment process, and provide LHD’s with a “road map to completion”, we have developed 7 Steps for your review.  However, we highly encourage review and use of the NPHPSP User’s Guide as an important tool in this process. You can find it at http://www.cdc.gov/od/ocphp/nphpsp/Documents/NPHPSPuserguide.pdf

The following 7 Steps should be considered a “jump start version” of the NPHPSP User’s Guide.

STEP 1…Review your performance standards.

This provides a foundation for understanding the instrument’s focus areas.

The following information is taken directly from the CDC, NPHPSP website. You can review it from the source at

http://www.cdc.gov/od/ocphp/nphpsp/EssentialPHServices.htm

The Essential Public Health Services provide the fundamental framework for the NPHPSP instruments, by describing the public health activities that should be undertaken in all communities. The Core Public Health Functions Steering Committee developed the framework for the Essential Services in 1994. This steering committee included representatives from US Public Health Service agencies and other major public health organizations. The Essential Services provide a working definition of public health and a guiding framework for the responsibilities of local public health systems.

1. Monitor health status to identify and solve community health problems.

2. Diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazards in the community.

3. Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues.

4. Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems.

5. Develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts.

6. Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety.

7. Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable.

8. Assure competent public and personal health care workforce.

9. Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based health services.

10. Research for new insights and innovative solutions to health problems.

STEP 2…Notify TALHO of your intention to participate in the NPHPSP Local Instrument Version 2 Assessment

There is a team of people available to provide information and support to your LHD in completing this tool.  Knowing the number of participants and LHD’s involved in this project is important to TALHO in order to coordinate resources and provide the support that you will need, if needed!   We, at TALHO, want to help you reach your goal, as well as provide appropriate tracking for grant coordination purposes as required by NACCHO.

If your LHD is going to complete an NPHPSP Local Instrument Version 2 Assessment, whether or not you will need facilitator and/or technical assistance, please notify us by sending an email to Laura Weiss,  lweiss@talho.org,  with your intent to participate.

Step 3 – Develop your timeline

Please review the Assessment Instrument completely and thoroughly, prior to starting the assessment and develop your timeline for completion.

According to the CDC, “public reporting burden of this collection of information is estimated to average 16 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.”

As the deadline for submission of your completed assessment is April 30, you will need to coordinate your key stakeholders’ participation with consideration to that timeline. Keep in mind that completion of the assessment will provide valuable information and feedback to your entire department, regardless of size and total number of system contributors that you sign on to this short project.

Your time-line will be specific to YOUR LHD and available resources and key system contributors. Set a goal for reviewing the instrument. Evaluate how much time and how many resources you have available to complete the assessment.

Step 4 – Determine HOW you are going to involve your local public health system

In order to accurately assess your local public health system, it’s important that you designate a team of local public health system contributors to assist in the assessment process. This will be helpful in obtaining a more clear picture of how well your system, is, or is not, meeting the 10 essential services of public health in your community.  Keep in mind, the NPHPSP Local Instrument Version 2 does not simply assess your DEPARTMENT, but rather the whole SYSTEM within your community and area that you serve.

HOW are you going to do this? What primary system partners may be most important for you to include?  Will you pursue a large committee gathering or a small group process? Determine your method and make sure to give consideration to your timeline and available resources.

Step 5 – Identify resources

Throughout the Local Instrument, Version 2 process, the TALHO Website www.talho.org will host a link for the NPHPSP project for participating LHD’s to access for ongoing updates and information, resources, FAQ’s, and other tools.  Be sure to visit this area frequently for updates and communication. Also, as you sign on to the project, we will be holding regularly scheduled teleconferences to provide a forum to share your successes or address your challenges.

Identify ways in which you can keep your system partners engaged in the process, as well as “team leaders” that could help in specific areas.

Step 6 – Complete the instrument

Gather your team and complete the assessment!  Be strategic. Follow your timeline, and request technical support if you need it, as SOON as you know you need it!

Once the assessment is completed, you will need to submit the data in an online assessment form. The online form for submission is found at www.nphpsp-results.org

That link can also be found on the TALHO website under the NPHPSP section.

Remember the deadline for submission of your completed assessment is no later than April 30, 2008!

Step 7 – Consider using MAPP as a continuation to your efforts

Some LHD’s may find that after completion of the NPHPSP Version 2 assessment instrument, they are eager to take on the entire MAPP process. More information about MAPP can be found at www.naccho.org

Detailed video of these 7 Steps for TALHO’s NPHPSP Local Instrument Version 2 project, which includes additional comment and direction from Mary Soto, DSHS, is available for online viewing HERE.