Appendices
Strengthening Partner Networks for HAIs and AR
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Background on Success Framework for HAI/AR Partner Networks
The success framework was created based on information provided by states and feedback from CDC staff, state health departments, and local-, state-, and national-level partners.
Information Gathering
During routine work from October 2018 to June 2019, CDC visited [Footnote 2] and had focused calls [Footnote 3] with states where they recognized themes and observed the following:
- Roles and contributions of the HAI/AR Program and its partners involved in implementing prevention activities
- Key facilitators of, and challenges to, effective collaboration
- How the HAI/AR Program and its partners use data to inform prevention
CDC analyzed state data, reviewed literature on partner networks, and identified themes for successful partner networks.
Framework Development
CDC developed the framework and four stages of partner networks identified in our analysis and literature review:
- determine the need,
- plan the approach,
- implement activities, and
- measure and adjust.
CDC developed questions to operationalize key elements of successful partner networks:
- leadership, strategy, and structure;
- policies;
- communications;
- expertise and resources;
- implementation;
- monitoring and evaluation; and
- innovation and adaptability.
For each question, CDC developed three levels of maturity to ensure the framework can support new, evolving, and well-established partner networks.
Validation
In August 2019, CDC presented the success framework internally to obtain feedback on terminology and comprehensiveness. CDC obtained more detailed feedback on the framework’s organization and framing from laboratory and epidemiology staff who work with states.
In October 2019, CDC interviewed the five states CDC visited earlier in the year, as well as Kentucky, to obtain feedback on framework’s structure, uses, usability, and clarity.
In November 2019, CDC tested the framework with 15 states [Footnote 4] 4 partner organizations [Footnote 5] and 3 local jurisdictions [Footnote 6] to determine differences in success framework’s application to or use by various partner networks, as well as the maturity descriptions’ relevance to various partner network types.
In February 2020, CDC launched a pilot to assess the usability of the framework.
Leadership, Strategy, and Structure
Description: Developing shared goals and activities with defined roles and responsibilities through an established operating model with leadership, accountability, and approaches for coordination and decision-making
Purpose: Ensures that the partner network has continuity despite internal or external changes and is focused on evidence-based and impactful activities
Expertise and Resources
Description: Ensuring the appropriate depth and mix of expertise and capabilities needed to address shared goals; analyzing funding or resource gaps and opportunities and establishing a plan to coordinate funding among partners to fill the gaps or maximize available resources
Purpose: Maximizes the partner network’s capabilities, reach, effectiveness, and available resources
Communications
Description: Communicating goals, activities, and progress to coordinate efforts, share knowledge, and influence future efforts and people
Purpose: Strengthens the partner network’s shared knowledge and trust to increase coordination, efficiency, and impact
Policies
Description: Understanding and tracking policy development and implications that influence the partner network and its priorities
Purpose: Ensures the partner network collaboratively plans for and reacts or adapts to internal and external influences
Implementation
Description: Implementing planned activities according to identified partner strengths, shared goals, and defined roles and responsibilities
Purpose: Ensures the partner network executes activities with purpose and in accordance with determined goals and objectives
Monitoring and Evaluation
Description: Monitoring progress towards shared goals and identifying areas for improvement
Purpose: Supports the partner network’s evidence base, efficiency, and effectiveness, and informs the partner network’s evolution
Innovation and Adaptability
Description: Evolving partner network structure and adjusting priorities, goals, and resources in response to changing circumstances and lessons learned
Purpose: Advances the partner network’s relevance, maturity, and sustainability