Reaccreditation and Pathways Recognition Experiences of Small Local and Tribal Health Departments

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Context: This paper describes experiences and views of leadership teams from 4 small local health departments (LHDs) seeking Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) reaccreditation or Pathways Recognition using PHAB Standards & Measures Version 2022. The Pathways program launched in 2022 provides additional supports for improvement of public health practice. Objective: Given the need to accelerate accreditation among small health departments, the purpose of this study is to share small health departments’ strategies for overcoming accreditation challenges and actionable advice for use by other health departments. Design: In this descriptive qualitative study, the study team conducted 22 individual interviews with 4 small LHDs from January to March 2024. Setting: Participating small health departments were located in the Midwestern and Western United States with staff sizes ranging from 3 to 47. Participants: Interview participants included small health department leadership teams, a local board of health member, and a contracted external accreditation consultant. Main Outcome Measures: We used a semi-structured interview guide to elicit participant experiences and views on accreditation processes, benefits, facilitators, strategies for overcoming challenges, and advice for other small health departments. Results: Participants suggested that accreditation benefits far outweighed the challenges. Perceived benefits included improved organizational procedures, equitable delivery of needed effective programs and services, and enhanced public perception. Key strategies to overcome staff capacity challenges were establishing a team approach and orienting and mentoring new staff in the “why” and “how” of accreditation. Advice included learning what is involved, taking the time to lay a foundation beforehand, and not waiting for a perfect time as accreditation is about improvement, not perfection. Conclusions: Small health departments can achieve and maintain PHAB accreditation by strategically implementing strategies to overcome staff capacity and other challenges. The Pathways Recognition program is a supportive option for small health departments wanting to improve public health practice.