Effectiveness of a grant program's efforts to promote synergy within its funded initiatives: perceptions of participants of the Southern Rural Access Program
2008

Evaluating the Southern Rural Access Program's Synergy

Sample size: 39 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Pathman Donald E, Chuang Emmeline, Weiner Bryan J

Primary Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Hypothesis

Does promoting synergy among grant-funded initiatives enhance their impact?

Conclusion

Participants generally perceived that the SRAP's deliberate strategies yielded synergies that added to the program's impact.

Supporting Evidence

  • Participants noted that synergies were achieved through relationship building among grantees and with outside agencies.
  • The program's strategies included targeting funding to culturally and geographically similar states.
  • Participants felt that inadequate funding sometimes hindered synergies and their sustainability.

Takeaway

The Southern Rural Access Program helped different health initiatives work together better, which made them more effective.

Methodology

Qualitative interviews with 39 key participants from the Southern Rural Access Program.

Potential Biases

Participants may have portrayed their experiences in an overly positive light due to social desirability.

Limitations

The study only reflects the views of participants directly involved in the SRAP, which may not capture external perspectives.

Participant Demographics

Participants included program directors and leaders from various health initiatives across eight southeastern U.S. states.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6963-8-263

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