A data-driven allocation tool for in-kind resources distributed by a state health department

Details

• Alternative Title:
  Traffic Inj Prev
• Personal Author:
  Peterson, Cora ; Kegler, Scott R. ; Parker, Wende R. ; Sullivan, David
• Description:
  Objective
  
  The objective of this study was to leverage a state health department’s operational data to allocate in-kind resources (children’s car seats) to counties, with the proposition that need-based allocation could ultimately improve public health outcomes.
  
  Methods
  
  This study used a retrospective analysis of administrative data on car seats distributed to counties statewide by the Georgia Department of Public Health and development of a need-based allocation tool (presented as interactive supplemental digital content, adaptable to other types of in-kind public health resources) that relies on current county-level injury and sociodemographic data.
  
  Results
  
  Car seat allocation using public health data and a need-based formula resulted in substantially different recommended allocations to individual counties compared to historic distribution.
  
  Conclusions
  
  Results indicate that making an in-kind public health resource like car seats universally available results in a less equitable distribution of that resource compared to deliberate allocation according to public health need. Public health agencies can use local data to allocate in-kind resources consistent with health objectives; that is, in a manner offering the greatest potential health impact. Future analysis can determine whether the change to a more equitable allocation of resources is also more efficient, resulting in measurably improved public health outcomes.
  
  
• Subjects:
  Accidents, Traffic Algorithms Child Child, Preschool Child Restraint Systems Humans Infant Infant, Newborn Needs Assessment Public Health Administration Resource Allocation Retrospective Studies Wounds And Injuries

  More +
• Source:
  Traffic Inj Prev. 17(7):681-685.
• Pubmed ID:
  26890693
• Pubmed Central ID:
  PMC5024329
• Document Type:
  Journal Article
• Funding:
  CC999999/Intramural CDC HHS/United States
• Place as Subject:
  Georgia
• Volume:
  17
• Issue:
  7
• Collection(s):
  CDC Public Access
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:190c7880fe7aff0514c26a2c88a99c86e54a77a5964daa981bc757aa752be301f485d81e2474115f4f2e1ffc054f97fde3909f2107317f822e0aaf4b6bd7f95f
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/41339/cdc_41339_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 74.44 KB ]