Over the last nine weeks, you identified the need for a program, planned the program, designed the activities, and determined the desired outcomes. This week, you will consider what happens once the program is approved and implemented. Planners must monitor the program’s processes as well as initial results. This monitoring allows them to use the feedback loops to make efficient and thoughtful changes.
In your initial post, address the following:
Imagine your program is operating well, but there are fewer participants than expected. Describe what adjustment you will make to increase the number of participants.
Imagine your program staff is having difficulty working the required hours. Their training is also not complete, even though activities are scheduled to start in three days. Describe how you will help your staff meet the program timeline expectations.
Explain how these issues might impact the program’s overall outcomes if they are not addressed in time.
Then, respond to at least two of your peers’ initial posts that offer a different plan of action than yours for either issue. Include the following details in your response:
Identify at least one different approach to increase the number of participants in your program that was shared by your peers that you did not mention in your post, and explain why considering this solution is useful.
Identify at least one different plan of action shared by your peers to address the timeline-related issues that you did not mention in your initial post, and explain why considering this solution is useful.
Post to Respond to:
1. For my final project, I chose to create a program I titled “Healthy Futures” and it was aimed at reducing the obesity rates in Hidalgo County, Texas. I had chose this location because after doing some research, I found that this community was ranked as one of the most obese in the nation.
The Healthy Futures program is making strides in addressing obesity in Hidalgo County, but fewer participants than expected are currently engaging in the program. To increase participation, the program will amplify outreach efforts by leveraging targeted social media campaigns and partnering with local schools, churches, and community centers to raise awareness. Additionally, hosting an open house event with free health screenings and fitness demonstrations could attract more participants by showcasing the program’s benefits. Research suggests that community-based outreach and direct engagement are effective strategies to boost program visibility and attendance (Smith & Jones, 2020).
Another challenge we face is that some program staff are unable to meet the required hours, and their training is not yet complete, despite scheduled activities starting in three days. To address this, the training timeline will be condensed into focused, high-priority sessions over the next three days. Virtual training modules will be provided to complement in-person sessions, allowing staff to complete essential learning on their own schedules. Temporary support staff or volunteers from partner organizations could also be recruited to fill gaps during the launch phase. Ensuring staff readiness is critical, as inadequately trained personnel may affect the program’s quality and delivery (Northouse, 2021).
If these issues are not resolved promptly, the program’s overall outcomes could be significantly impacted. Low participation numbers could undermine the program’s effectiveness in achieving community-wide obesity reduction goals, and untrained staff may lead to inconsistent service delivery, reducing trust and satisfaction among participants. Ultimately, these factors could diminish the program’s credibility and jeopardize future funding opportunities (Kramer, 2018). By taking proactive steps to address these challenges, we can ensure the program remains on track and continues to deliver meaningful health outcomes for the Hidalgo County community.
2. If the Sepsis Activation Program operates well but participation is lower than expected, I would implement strategies to increase engagement. This includes enhancing outreach efforts by collaborating with marketing teams to create targeted campaigns, such as informative flyers, emails, or digital content emphasizing the program’s benefits. Engaging stakeholders like ED physicians, nurses, and pharmacists through meetings to highlight the program’s impact on patient outcomes could encourage advocacy and participation (World Health Organization, 2020). Additionally, providing incentives such as recognition, Continuing Education Units (CEUs), or certifications tied to the training could further motivate staff to participate actively.
Adjustments would be critical for staff struggling with hours and incomplete training just days before the program’s activities begin. Temporary workload reassignments or schedule adjustments could help reduce pressure on staff. Expedited, focused training sessions, in-person or via virtual platforms, would ensure essential content is covered. Leveraging external support, such as temporary staff or trainers, may also help bridge gaps and maintain readiness (Tamminga et al., 2023).
The program’s outcomes could be significantly affected if these issues are not addressed. Low participation may hinder meeting key metrics like reduced delays and improved mortality rates. Inadequate training could lead to inconsistent implementation, errors, and a lack of trust in the program’s effectiveness. Proactively addressing these challenges ensures program success, safeguards patient safety, and builds stakeholder confidence in achieving long-term goals.