Master's Project Title:

Key informant interviews and qualitative analysis of the Minnesota Cancer Alliance

MCH Student:

Heather Hirsch

Date of Defense:

April 13, 2015

Abstract:

Public health organizations involve the cooperation and collaboration of many individuals and groups to  achieve successful interventions. Qualitative methods were used during the project to evaluate how  active members of the Minnesota Cancer Alliance (MCA ) perceive the value of the MCA to themselves  as individuals and as representative of member organizations, as well as their perception of the MCA. The  research questions included: Why do members of the MCA participate? How do members of the MCA  describe t he function of the coalition? The MCA members were also given the opportunity to share their  perspectives on areas upon which the MCA could improve. Interviewees overwhelmingly perceived the  coalition to have strong leadership, dedicated members and to be effective at increasing partnerships.  Some interviewees also acknowledged that the MCA was provided a variety of opportunities for members  to increase their capacity, as well as providing increased networking opportunities between members.  However, the in terviewees indicated frustration over the scope of the MCA’s work, the time away from  work necessary for involvement, and the lack of money available for the MCA’s projects.  Recommendations included: take time to help the MCA members see the alignment of t he MCA priorities  and their organizations goals and work to recruit new members to the MCA in order to achieve  sustainability.