A review of collaborative partnerships as a strategy for improving community health

Collaborative partnerships (people and organizations from multiple sectors working together in common purpose) are a prominent strategy for community health improvement. This review examines evidence about the effects of coll aborative partnerships on (a) community and systems change (environmental c hanges), (b) community-wide behavior change, and (c) more distant populatio n-level health outcomes. We also consider the conditions and factors that m ay determine whether collaborative partnerships are effective. The review c oncludes with specific recommendations designed to enhance research and pra ctice and to set conditions for promoting community health.