Open AccessPutting Public Health Into Practice: A Model for Assessing the Relationship Between Local Health Departments and Practicing Physicians
Author(s) -
Hilary Parton,
Sharon E. Perlman,
Ram Koppaka,
Carolyn M. Greene
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2011.300645
Subject(s) - health department , outreach , public health , medicine , family medicine , mental hygiene , emergency department , mental health , nursing , political science , psychiatry , law
The New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (Health Department) surveyed practicing NYC physicians to quantify Health Department resource use. Although the Health Department successfully reaches most physicians, and information is valued in practice, knowledge of several key resources was low. Findings suggested 3 recommendations for all local health departments seeking to enhance engagement with practicing physicians: (1) capitalize on physician interest, (2) engage physicians early and often, and (3) make interaction with the health department easy. Also, older physicians may require targeted outreach.