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Exploring the unanticipated effects of multi-sectoral partnerships in chronic disease prevention

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  • Willis, Cameron David
  • Corrigan, Crystal
  • Stockton, Lisa
  • Greene, Julie Kathryn
  • Riley, Barbara Lyn

Abstract

Multi-sectoral partnerships are important parts of many public health efforts to address chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Despite the potential value of multi-sectoral approaches, uncertainty exists regarding their effects on individuals, organizations, communities and populations. This article reports on a study that examined the unanticipated effects (both positive and negative) of the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (the Agency) Multi-sectoral Partnerships initiative, which supports more than 30 multi-sectoral partnership projects across Canada. Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff from organizations participating in 3 diverse partnership projects as part of the Agency’s multi-sectoral partnerships initiative. Multiple unanticipated effects were identified and organized into 4 themes: (1) insights about the flexibility and responsiveness of government; (2) access to new and valuable resources (people, skills, expertise); (3) opportunity to build new capacities; and (4) understanding realistic timelines for partnership activities and outcomes. While these effects were unanticipated for study participants, they resonate with insights from the literature on multi-sectoral partnerships. These results raise a number of questions for consideration as partnership initiatives continue to evolve, including the types of training that partners might need; the individual and organizational capacities required for partnership approaches; and the evaluation techniques that might be most useful to capture the non-linear effects of partnership approaches.

Suggested Citation

  • Willis, Cameron David & Corrigan, Crystal & Stockton, Lisa & Greene, Julie Kathryn & Riley, Barbara Lyn, 2017. "Exploring the unanticipated effects of multi-sectoral partnerships in chronic disease prevention," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 121(2), pages 158-168.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:121:y:2017:i:2:p:158-168
    DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2016.11.019
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    References listed on IDEAS

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