Learning from the Community
The Wisconsin Partnership Program of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health recognizes that communities have significant expertise to inform its program priorities. Learning from the community and seeking input about their needs and views is an important strategy to help shape the development of the partnership's funded initiatives.
To obtain a comprehensive perspective of stakeholders and assure that the Wisconsin Partnership Program is responsive to the people of Wisconsin, the program implemented three approaches to assure opportunities for public comment on plans for the next five years: a public comment questionnaire, community forums and stakeholder interviews.
Detailed results are described in the companion report, "Measuring our Progress: The Wisconsin Partnership Program Evaluation" (pdf).
Public Comment Questionnaire
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Survey Center issued an anonymous general public comment questionnaire in 2008, resulting in more than 550 responses. The survey asked respondents to answer four questions on program priorities for the Wisconsin Partnership Program's next five-year plan. The distribution included an extensive list of UW School of Medicine and Public Health faculty, staff and individuals having contact with the WPP during the last five years.
The survey asked for:
- Suggestions on how best to use the WPP's resources
- Health areas in which the WPP should invest to advance public health
- Recommendations for research or projects to best meet the goals of the WPP Healthy Birth Outcomes Initiative
- General suggestions for WPP's five-year plan
Community Forums
Two community forums were held, in Waukesha and Stevens Point, in spring 2008. The audience provided valuable insights into the activities and efforts of the Wisconsin Partnership Program and requested support in the three areas listed below:
- Community access to academic partners
- Technical assistance in program evaluation
- Sustained funding for successful programs
Stakeholder Interviews
The UW-Madison Survey Center conducted 41 interviews with stakeholders of the Wisconsin Partnership Program. Those interviewed were equally divided between members of the faculty of the medical school and members of external groups.
The joint Oversight and Advisory Committee/Medical Education and Research Committee Evaluation Implementation Subcommittee selected the stakeholders to be interviewed and developed the format and questions. Interviews addressed three basic questions:
- How is the Wisconsin Partnership Program helping to advance the transformation of the School?
- How should the Wisconsin Partnership Program align with Wisconsin’s strategic plan for health, Healthiest Wisconsin 2010?
- What should be the Wisconsin Partnership Program’s priorities going forward?