A well-structured report on evidence-based best practices in public health system administration would link a public health system of interest to key concepts in management, governance, leadership, and collaborative planning. The report would be organized around the three core functions of public health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) 10 Essential Public Health Services.

Here is a proposed structure for such a report, outlining the key sections and the information each would contain:

I. Introduction

This section would provide an overview of the report’s purpose: to analyze and link evidence-based best practices to a public health system of interest. It would identify the public health system chosen for the analysis (e.g., a state health department, a local county health system, a specific program within a federal agency). It would also briefly introduce the framework for the analysis: the core functions of public health and the 10 essential public health services.

II. Core Functions of Public Health and the 10 Essential Services

This section would be foundational, clearly defining the three core functions of public health:

• Assessment: Systematically collecting, analyzing, and making available information on healthy communities.
• Policy Development: Promoting the use of a scientific knowledge base in decision-making about public health.
• Assurance: Ensuring that public health services are provided to the community.

Following this, the report would identify and describe the 10 Essential Public Health Services, grouping them under their corresponding core function. This would demonstrate a clear understanding of the public health framework.

III. Best Practices in Management, Governance, and Leadership

This section would draw from peer-reviewed sources and reports from organizations like the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) to describe evidence-based best practices in three key areas:

• Management: This would focus on the practical, day-to-day operations of a public health system. Best practices might include using performance management systems, implementing quality improvement initiatives, and adopting financial management strategies that ensure fiscal accountability and sustainability. The report would link these practices to the Assurance core function and services like “Assure a competent public and personal health care workforce” (Service 8) and “Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based health services” (Service 9).
• Governance: This would address how public health systems are structured and guided. Best practices might involve establishing clear roles and responsibilities for governing bodies, ensuring a diverse representation of community voices, and utilizing data-driven decision-making. These practices would be directly linked to the Policy Development core function and services such as “Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems” (Service 10) and “Develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts” (Service 5).
• Leadership: This would explore the skills and competencies needed to lead a public health organization effectively. Best practices could include fostering a culture of innovation, promoting ethical behavior, and using transformational leadership styles to inspire staff and stakeholders. This would link to all three core functions, as effective leadership is crucial for successful assessment, policy development, and assurance.

IV. Collaborative Planning and Decision-Making

This section would dive into the critical aspects of working with external partners and stakeholders.

• Negotiating Collaborative Partnerships: This would describe a step-by-step process for establishing and maintaining effective partnerships. Best practices might include identifying potential partners, establishing a shared vision and goals, defining roles and responsibilities, and creating a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) to ensure clear expectations. This would link directly to “Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems” (Service 10).