Using a Concept Map as a Tool for Strategic Planning: The Healthy Brain Initiative
2011

Using a Concept Map for Strategic Planning in Public Health

Sample size: 141 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Anderson Lynda A., Day Kristine L., Vandenberg Anna E.

Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Hypothesis

If practitioners were more aware of the flexibility of concept mapping methods, more public health endeavors could benefit from it.

Conclusion

The study successfully created a strategic plan for The Healthy Brain Initiative using a flexible concept mapping process.

Supporting Evidence

  • The concept mapping process involved forming a steering committee and work groups to generate action items.
  • Stakeholders rated the importance and action potential of the action items to create a cohesive framework.
  • The final concept map included 8 clusters and 44 action items, guiding the strategic plan.

Takeaway

This study shows how a special tool called concept mapping can help people plan better for public health by organizing ideas in a clear way.

Methodology

The study used a concept mapping process involving multiple phases, including idea generation, sorting, and rating by stakeholders.

Limitations

Some action items could not be included in the final map due to not being part of the sorting and rating process.

Participant Demographics

Participants included a diverse group of stakeholders from various sectors and disciplines related to public health and cognitive health.

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