I was unable to find an environmental scan specifically related to my health promotion problem of rising syphilis infection rates among gay, bi-sexual and other men who have sex with men within Halton Region. However, I did come across an environmental scan related to opioid use prevention and response, an area of public health that I have quite a significant level of interest in. Opioid overdoses continue to be public health concern and the incidence of overdoses continue to rise globally. Current response efforts in the region where I work include naloxone distribution programs, many of which are run in conjunction with community stakeholders such as police services.
This environmental scan was performed by the National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO). NACCHO conducted this scan to assess the current landscape of community-based opioid use prevention and response activities in the United States in order to support response efforts and direct priorities at the local, state, and national level. This environmental scan was conducted through the use of a survey that was distributed to local health departments (LHDs) that carry out activities related to opioid use and opioid abuse. The findings of this environmental scan provide important insights into opioid prevention initiatives across the United States. However, due to a response rate of 198 out of 388 Local Health Departments (LHDs) participating in the survey, the scan is not representative of the nation as a whole.
Strengths:
Clearly stated goal: To determine existing opioid use prevention and response activities nationally
Method was discussed: Utilized the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention “Evidence-Based Strategies for Preventing Opioid Overdose: What’s Working in the United States” for survey compilation
Limitations:
Underrepresented smaller LHDs - Most respondents were large or medium size LHDs
Broad in terms of geographical location - Not nationally representative due to only 51% response rate
Unable to verify survey responses
Reference:
National Association of County & City Health Officials. (2019). Local Health Department Approaches to Opioid Use Prevention and Response: An Environmental Scan. https://www.naccho.org/uploads/downloadable-resources/Environmental-Scan-V3-July-2019-FINAL-v2.pdf
댓글