The Makings of an Evidence-Based Local Health Department: Identifying Administrative and Management Practices

Abstract

There is a gap in knowledge about how to best organize and administer practice in local health departments to implement sustained evidence-based policies, programs, and interventions. This report identifies administrative and management evidence-based practices to inform ongoing initiatives in local public health system quality improvement, accreditation processes, and performance. The article presents administrative elements in workforce development, leadership, organizational climate and culture, relationships and partnerships, and financial processes that local health departments can address at modest cost within a few years or less. Local public health systems can further identify, implement and evaluate evidence-based administrative practices.