Expanding Health Service Delivery in St. Marc, Haiti: A Case Study in Capacity Building and Infrastructure Development Within an Emerging Coalition

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions and actions of a cross- sector, transdisciplinary group of collaborators as they worked to enhance health delivery services in the region of St. Marc, Haiti. Areas needing improvements in health service delivery include access, health administration, and sustainability. Using a systems thinking approach, the group addressed these areas of improvement with increased capacity building and infrastructure development. Members of the group of collaborators included various members of the St. Marc community who were previously conducting public health work individually, as well as members of the educational community and local government. The research design is a single, embedded, case study. Results indicate that stakeholders in the collaboration relied heavily on the establishment of strategic partnerships to reach the group’s end goal. These strategic partnerships were formed based on interpersonal relationships and a collaborative willingness to serve the community. Because of the formation of the collaboration, doors were opened for future partnerships, thus, transforming the coalition into an emerging system of collaborations and relationships focused on continued capacity building and infrastructure development. One immediate outcome of the study was the establishment of an educational program for para-professionals which includes a curriculum for administrative services. Implications of the study support the effectiveness of a systems thinking approach when expanding health service delivery in an area with weak infrastructure.