Definition of MAP-IT and How it is Used
MAP-IT stands for Mobilize, Assess, Plan, Implement and Track. It is basically a framework adapted from Healthy People 2020 and it can be used by any users who seek to plan programs that are focused on achieving Healthy People 2020 objectives. Generally, it is used in creation of healthy communities. The framework is technically used during planning and evaluation of public health interventions, in a given community. MAP-IT is a model that’s highly used in health promotion because it is not only practical, feasible and appropriate, but it also has very low implementation costs. It also saves time and very easy to use (Garba & Gadanya, 2017). To use map, a group of people is mobilized to form a coalition, after which assessment of the community is made. A plan is made through goal setting, and the stipulated actions are implemented. The implementation process is then evaluated and progress measured
(“Healthy People 2020,” n.d.).
Steps of MAP-IT
According to Hansen et al (2017), there are five steps in the MAP-IT framework. These include:
Mobilize
This is the first step of the framework where individuals and organizations who have a special interest about the health of a given community are mobilized into a coalition. Here, the mission as well as the vision for the coalition are determined, after which a list of potential community partners are invited to join the coalition. The role of each potential partner is then stipulated, and the partners are met for further discussions on the way forward.
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Assess
This is the second step of the framework and it involves assessment of areas that are of greatest needs in the given community. It is otherwise known as the baseline data collection step. Data collected during this step is very crucial because it is used as a reference when tracking progress. In addition, resources and other available strengths that can be used to address the areas of need are assessed. Priorities are set and it is determined whether certain areas of need are effective, measurable and feasible.
Plan
It is the third step and it involves definition of the ultimate goal. Clear objectives are developed with regards to the specific vision of the community. Strategies as well as action steps are then added, which facilitate achievement of the given vision. Methods that will be used to measure progress are determined during this step.
Implement
It is the fourth step and it involves using the action steps to act on the laid down strategies. Responsibilities are shared among the coalition members and a communication plan is developed. These actions can be monitored as the implementation process progresses. Coalition members can use Coalition Self-Assessment which establishes whether the process is flowing smoothly.
Track
With this being the last step, it involves tracking the progress of the whole process over time. Regular evaluation measures are planned, and this last step is important in that it helps the coalition members in determining the effectiveness of the action plans and the level to which goals are being achieved.
Examples of Select State Programs that have Used MAP-IT
In Minnesota, the process of mobilization was used to form the Minnesota Health Improvement Partnership, which is basically a group of individuals who hailed from private and public organizations. The coalition included local health department members and it was responsible for the Minnesota initiative, Healthy Minnesotans: Public Health Improvement Goals for 2004. Moreover, in North Carolina, there is an establishment of an Office of Healthy Carolinians, whose major responsibility is to keep the people of North Carolina healthy. Through this office, the people of North Carolina are trained and provided support for coalition building (Hansen et al., 2017).
References
Garba, R. M., & Gadanya, M. A. (2017). The role of intervention mapping in designing disease prevention interventions: A systematic review of the literature. PLOS ONE , 12 (3), e0174438. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0174438
Hansen, S., Kanning, M., Lauer, R., Steinacker, J. M., & Schlicht, W. (2017). MAP-IT: A Practical Tool for Planning Complex Behavior Modification Interventions. Health Promotion Practice , 18 (5), 696-705. doi:10.1177/1524839917710454
Healthy People 2020. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/tools-and-resources/Program-Planning
