Key Concepts & Curriculum

Action learning

Action Learning is a process that helps organizations develop creative, flexible, and successful strategies to address real-world problems. By taking action, reflecting upon results, integrating learnings, and refining the problem-solving process, teams are able to develop more effective solutions and work toward lasting change. The Action Learning model is also referred to as a ‘Plan-Do-Check-Act’ process.

Multi-sector collaboration

To work in partnership with individuals and/or organizations, teams, or groups that involve a number of sectors and disciplines. An example of a multi-sector collaboration might be a pediatric asthma prevention program that involves the public school district, the local health department, a for-profit health care system and a non-profit organization focusing on health services for low-income families.

Quality improvement

The use of a deliberate and defined improvement process, such as Plan-Do-Check-Act, which is focused on activities that are responsive to community needs and improving population health. It refers to a continuous, ongoing effort to achieve measurable improvements in the efficiency, effectiveness, performance, accountability, outcomes, and other indicators of quality in services or processes which achieve equity and improve the health of the community.¹

Collective impact

The commitment of a group of important individuals and/or organizations from different sectors to a common agenda for solving a specific social problem.²

Community engagement

Our definition of community engagement is to inform, consult, involve, collaborate, and/or empower the community, as described in the Spectrum of Public Participation, produced by the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2), which defines the public’s role (i.e., the community's role) in the engagement process. For the purposes of the LAPH programs, community engagement on the higher end of the spectrum (i.e, involve, collaborate and empower) represent the gold standard for public health work that aspires to improve health in the community.

Health equity

The absence of systematic disparities in health between social groups who have different levels of underlying social advantage or disadvantage.³

Social determinants of health

The conditions, social structures, and economic systems in which people are born, grow, live, work and age This includes the social environment, physical environment, health services, and structural and societal factors. These circumstances are shaped by the distribution of money, power, and resources at the local, national, and global levels.⁴

Systems thinking

The approach that examines the interrelatedness of forces and sees them as part of a common process.⁵

Tuckman's stages of team development

• Forming: Working to establish expectations, develop trust, and agree on common goals.

• Storming: Identifying power and control issues, developing communication skills, and reacting to leadership.

• Norming: Working within an atmosphere of agreeing on roles and problem-solving processes, with decisions made through negotiations and consensus.

• Performing: Achieving effective and satisfying results, working collaboratively, and caring for each other.