A framework for an asset-informed approach to service mapping
Intended for healthcare professionals
Evidence & Practice Previous     Next

A framework for an asset-informed approach to service mapping

Anna Green PhD candidate, Centre for Cardiovascular & Chronic Care, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
Tim Luckett Senior lecturer, Centre for Cardiovascular & Chronic Care, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
Penelope Abbott Senior lecturer, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
Michelle DiGiacomo Senior research fellow, Centre for Cardiovascular & Chronic Care, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
John Delaney Honorary associate, Centre for Cardiovascular & Chronic Care, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
Patricia Delaney Honorary associate, Centre for Cardiovascular & Chronic Care, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
Patricia Mary Davidson Dean, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States

Background Asset-informed approaches are increasingly emphasised in public health, but transferring this approach to planning health services requires prospective systematic methods. Asset-informed approaches to service-mapping have started to develop, but there are no standardised guidelines. These methods are becoming of particular interest, as nurses engage in population health activities.

Aim To identify methods of asset-informed mapping for addressing health problems and develop a framework to support the methodological rigour of service-mapping.

Discussion The authors undertook an integrative literature review using a systematic approach and narrative synthesis. Ten articles met the inclusion criteria. Reported methods included the formation of a core team to drive the process, as well as varying detail about methods of collecting data and forming maps. Challenges and solutions included the effectiveness of the core team depending on having a designated leader, frequent meetings and previous partnerships, using community ‘cultural brokers’, and determining aims and scope.

Conclusion Results of the review can be used to modify existing generic resources for asset-informed mapping to their application in health services. Four main stages seem especially applicable and important: defining the parameters of the service-mapping process; identifying services; mapping services; and consultation and implementation.

Implications for practice The shift towards asset-informed approaches in community and public health is an important step in realising the potential of existing assets in communities to influence health outcomes. The framework offered in this paper is intended to assist in developing an evidence base, by promoting the systematic and rigorous reporting of methods used in asset-informed approaches to service-mapping.

Nurse Researcher. 25, 3, 19-25. doi: 10.7748/nr.2017.e1479

Correspondence

anna.green-1@uts.edu.au

Peer review

This article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software

Conflict of interest

None declared

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Received: 29 March 2016

Accepted: 06 October 2016

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