PANEL 3 - Identifying Outreach Objectives and Related Outcomes Public Health Outreach Forum National Library of Medicine Lister Hill Auditorium Bethesda, Maryland Cathy Burroughs, NN/LM - Leader Mary Ryan, NLM - Recorder

1.What outcomes characterize a successful PH outreach project? Can they be realistically measured? What baseline measures are needed? Change in behavior - how successfully can this be measured? –Self reporting behavior change –Baseline measurement: pre and post testing –Goal oriented measures, e.g., searching MEDLINE or using Loansome Doc

1.What outcomes characterize a successful PH outreach project? Can they be realistically measured? What baseline measures are needed? (cont.) Increased communication Sustainability of project, indicated by –Cost effectiveness –Continued funding at targeted site Key contacts in community

Achievable goals Flexibility Continued presence in the project; continued commitment to the project, especially on the recipient side. Build in and utilize feedback Different perspectives brought by multiple stakeholders 2.What project strategies/characteristics have major impact on outreach outcomes? What approaches work in what settings?

Basic equipment/technology Importance of hands-on training –Example: Portable laptop with LAN –Smaller groups allow for customized training –Train core groups –Direct observation Cultural sensitivity Create opportunities for learning - the teachable moment 2.What project strategies/characteristics have major impact on outreach outcomes? What approaches work in what settings? (cont.)

PH outreach objectives are not different from other health professions, but... PH search strategies differ from clinical medicine searches. Learning objectives differ; different terminology. PH professionals want/need immediate answers not literature 3.How do outcomes & approaches determine objectives for PH outreach? Do PH workforce outreach objectives differ from those for other health professionals?

Obtain letters of support from partner agencies, work with partners in planning and implementation Identify key players at local sites Listen to needs and ideas of the PH professional at the local site and plan accordingly Invite local PH partners to planning meetings and conferences 4.How can we work with partners and target communities to develop a shared vision of outreach objectives and outcomes?

Be accessible and available to project participants, ongoing commitment to provide support. Develop communication network among the target audience 4.How can we work with partners and target communities to develop a shared vision of outreach objectives and outcomes? (cont.)

Other Topics Needs Assessments often find that perception of problem may be different than actual problem. There should be a mechanism for projects to submit project materials (survey/training/assessment) to NN/LM Web site to share Telephone follow-up to training is an effective means of post-training follow-up.