Rationale:

In October 2008, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care released the new Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS) which outline the minimum requirements for fundamental public health programs and services in the province. Implementation of the OPHS will require decisions regarding the elimination/modification of existing programs and services and the development of new programs and services. An evidence-based decision making and priority-setting method is required in order to ensure that decisions have a strong and documented rationale and Health Unit resources are allocated in the most effective and efficient manner.

Purpose:

The goal of this process is the effective and efficient delivery of programs and services to meet requirements in the new OPHS. The objectives include:

1. To meet the Board of Health’s requirements for a comprehensive programs and services review.
2. To systematically assess OPHS requirements based on need, impact, capacity and partnerships/collaboration.
3. To set priorities for delivery of OPHS requirements based on need and impact.
4. To determine the levels and types of human and other resources required for OPHS implementation.
5. To allocate current human and financial resources to OPHS requirements.

Methods:

The program review and prioritization process follows these seven steps:

Links:

• Overview of Steps
• Program Review Guidelines
• Situational Assessment Questionnaire – Need and Impact
• Stakeholder Map
• Questions and Answers
• Ontario Public Health Standards