Perspectives on the strategic uses of concept mapping to address public health challenges

doi:10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2016.08.011

Evaluation and Program Planning

Volume 60, February 2017, Pages 194-201

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2016.08.011 Get rights and content

Highlights

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Expansive public health opportunities for concept mapping application.
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Public health adaptations are possible through planning and creativity.
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Possibilities to include diverse expertise, experience and input in multiple phases.
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Flexible to differing public health timeframes, resources, and needs.

Abstract

We examine the adaptation of approaches used to plan and implement the steps of concept mapping to meet specialized needs and requirements in several public health projects. Seven published concept mapping projects are detailed to document how each of the phases were modified to meet the specific aims of each project. Concept mapping was found to be a useful tool to complement public health roles such as assessment, program development, and priority setting. The phases of concept mapping allow for a blending of diverse perspectives, which is critical to public health efforts. The adaptability of concept mapping permits the use of multiple modalities such as the addition of face-to-face brainstorming; use of qualitative methods, including structured interviews; and review and use of published literature and guidelines. Another positive aspect of concept mapping for public health practice is its ability to identify program elements, provide a visual map of generated ideas and their relationships to one another, and assist in identifying priorities. Our reflections on the adaptability should help inform another generation in designing concept mapping projects and related products that may benefit from unique adaptations and the rapidly expanding social media technology and platforms.

Introduction

Historically, concept mapping has been used by numerous disciplines and groups of individuals to enhance creative thinking or to help identify and facilitate the organization of diverse ideas. This has been referred to as “idea mapping” or “mind mapping” (Kane & Trochim, 2007). For several decades, public health has applied concept mapping for structured conceptualization processes involving groups of stakeholders who have an interest in the topic or may be affected by the outcomes (Kane & Trochim, 2007). Although numerous studies have described the various uses and applications of concept mapping, the adaptability of concept mapping methods is often overlooked (Johnson, Biegel, & Shafran, 2000).

In this article we examine the flexibility or adaptation of approaches used to plan and implement the steps of concept mapping to meet specialized needs and requirements across representative public health projects. We first present an overview of the phases involved in concept mapping. We then present seven published concept mapping projects, authored by one or both of the authors, to document how each of Trochim’s (1989) steps within the concept mapping phases were modified to meet the specific aims of the project. Finally, we conclude with lessons learned and tactics that may assist others in concept mapping planning and implementation in the context of public health practice.

Section snippets

Overview of concept mapping process

Concept mapping is typically organized into six phases (Fig. 1) (Trochim, 1989). Developing the focus, phase one, includes defining the primary question of interest and selecting participants that will be invited to brainstorm ideas relative to the question of interest or project aim. The next phase, generation of statements, is carried out through brainstorming, conducted during an in-person meeting, or via mail, fax, or web-based platforms. Brainstorming in this case is a technique that

Methods

The projects we highlight in this paper serve as “cases” to illustrate adaptations in various concept mapping steps. Adaptability or flexibility refers to modifications in concept mapping steps that deviate from or modify the original approach outlined by Trochim (1989). We reviewed the seven case publications and abstracted information specific to how each step within each phase was or was not adapted from the original method. For the purposes of this work, we report only on adaptations and

Findings

Upon review and abstraction of these seven projects, we identified a number of adaptations that we and our colleagues had made within five of the six concept mapping phases (Table 2). Table 2 provides a summary description of the Concept mapping phases, the public health adaptation made to that phase, and the rationale for and impact of the adaptation to the results and outcomes. Although concept mapping analyses have expanded over time to incorporate various computed results such as pattern

Discussion

Concept mapping is a useful tool that complements the roles of public health, including assessment, program development, and priority setting, and clarification of the underpinnings of the theory of change for public health efforts. Additionally, as documented by our highlighted projects, concept mapping is flexible and easily integrates diverse perspectives, expertise, and experiences in several phases of the processes. These processes allow for a blending of perspectives and use of multiple

Lessons learned

The findings from our review are in alignment with many of the observations in the text book by Kane and Trochim (2007). However, we believe that by our careful review and focus on the issue of adaptations we help to shine a light on this topic and bring together numerous examples highlighting the flexibility of the process used in concept mapping. We recognize that our seven projects do not cover all of the possible adaptations that can be made to concept mapping. It is our hope that this

Acknowledgments

We want to thank Cheryl Schott, MPH, Michigan Public Health Institute, for her assistance with the logistics in preparing the manuscript.

Disclaimers: The findings and conclusions in this manuscript are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Use of trade names is for identification only and does not imply endorsement of any of the groups named above.

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View full text

Perspectives on the strategic uses of concept mapping to address public health challenges

Highlights

Abstract

Introduction

Section snippets

Overview of concept mapping process

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Lessons learned

Acknowledgments

Alzheimer’s Dementia

American Journal of Preventive Medicine

Evaluation and Program Planning

Using concept mapping to develop a logic model for the prevention research centers program

Preventing Chronic Disease

Using a concept map as a tool for strategic planning: The Healthy Brain Initiative

Prevent Chron’s Disease

Developing a framework and priorities to promote mobility among older adults

Health Education & Behavior

Concept mapping in mental health: Uses and adaptations

Evaluation and Program Planning