Polk County Behavioral Health Study | Page 119

Stage 2 Approach
The Stage 2 project approach is constructed on a foundation of solid , validated data and insight from a broad spectrum of providers and community members . Research activities provided in-depth analysis of system-level strengths , resources , needs , and service gaps ( as well as identification of particularly highrisk communities ). Results are intended to provide the basis for Stage 3 activities and – ultimately – ongoing collaboration among community members to improve behavioral health and the quality of life for Polk County residents .
The Stage 2 report includes results from a large number of qualitative research activities ( e . g ., stakeholder interviews , focus group discussions , casual intercepts ), quantitative work ( e . g ., surveys , data analytics ), and community engagement activities . Crescendo was able to engage hard-to-reach audiences ( as noted above ). The Stage 2 research activities are listed below and then results follow .
• Stage 1 Report Highlights – e . g ., a summary of the network of Polk County service providers , a data-based description of higher-risk community groups and subpopulations , and links to helpful interactive maps ( beginning on Page 5 ).
• Results of Qualitative and Quantitative Research Strategies ( beginning on Page 9 ). In-depth analysis of qualitative research results from stakeholder interviews , focus group discussions , review of extant materials , and other research activities .
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Conducting approximately 60 in-depth one-on-on interviews with stakeholders and community members to gain deep understanding of behavioral health issues and operations .
Convening 14 group discussions to expand understanding of system strengths and opportunities for improvement ; learn from the interactions among group discussion participants .
Conducting an in-depth , quantitative analysis of a multi-lingual community survey . The survey was designed and administered to show community-based perceptions of the magnitude of need for specific services . This includes stratification of the results based on demographic factors , location ( e . g ., urban , suburban , and rural areas ; or , distance from Lakeland ), and other factors .
Conducting “ access audit ” calls to gain practical insight regarding access to care and other community-facing operational issues .
o Review of the Digital and Social Media analysis of urgent or emergent issues .
• Summary of Needs From Stage 1 and Stage 2 Research ( beginning on Page 52 ). Analysis of the Stage 1 results and the Stage 2 research led to the emergence of a breadth of needs and service gaps that were segmented into four core “ themes ” or “ strategic objectives .” Each of the four includes several more granular components ( Action Areas ) that show high-need opportunities , the community affected , support for the results , and illustrative quotations from community members .
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