Community health report cards - Results of a national survey

Introduction: The purpose of this research is to examine the state-of-the-a rt in community health report card development and use in order to increase their effective integration into community health improvement efforts. Methods: A mailed survey was sent to 115 "report card" communities nationwi de. This list was generated through multiple key informants at the national , regional, and state levels. Seventy-four percent (85/115) were eligible f or the study. The report cards returned were inventoried for: quality of th eir data, comprehensiveness, presentation, appropriateness to target audien ces, purpose and sponsorship, relevance to policy development, community in volvement, comparability, replicability, and other factors. Results: Of the 85 eligible projects, 65 responded. The report cards varied significantly in all areas. Only one half of communities used pre-existing formats or the experience of others to guide this resource-intensive devel opment process. Data collection was the greatest challenge encountered in d evelopment. Local health departments, hospitals, and nonprofit civic groups were the community groups most likely to be involved in development. Conclusion: There is need for infrastructure, technical assistance, and imp roved, easy-to-use tools to facilitate the report card development process and the sharing of expertise and experience among involved communities. Gre ater systematization of the process would enhance the reasonableness and su stainability of the effort. Broad community involvement, including support of the local health department, other community agencies, as well as the lo cal business community, may be key to their success.