A Method for Identifying Positive Deviant Local Health Departments in Maternal and Child Health

Authors

Tamar A. Klaiman, University of the Sciences in PhiladelphiaFollow
Athena Pantazis, University of WashingtonFollow
Betty Bekemeier, University of WashingtonFollow

Abstract

Local health departments (LHDs) are under increasing pressure to improve performance with limited resources. While research has found that financial resources may be associated with better health outcomes, there are some LHDs that maintain exceptional performance, even with limited budgets. Our interest was identifying LHDs that positively deviate in MCH outcomes compared to their peers while taking into account local context including geography and finances. We found that our method for identifying positive deviants was effective, and that LHD expenditures may not be linked to MCH outcomes. The next step in our work is to conduct in-depth analysis with positive deviants to understand the practices they use to achieve exceptional health outcomes.

Recommended Citation

Klaiman TA, Pantazis A, Bekemeier B. A Method for Identifying Positive Deviant Local Health Departments in Maternal and Child Health. Front Public Health Serv Syst Res 2014; 3(2).
DOI: 10.13023/FPHSSR.0302.05