Assessing a Rural Academic-Community Partnership Using Ripple Effect Mapping

Abstract

As Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) expand their efforts to improve the distribution and diversity of the healthcare workforce, one common question is how these activities impact their local communities. Ripple Effect Mapping (REM) is an evaluation method designed to assess a program’s intended and unintended impacts, social capital, and partner reciprocity. This study used REM to uncover and explore the intended and unintended impact of a rural AHEC in a 14-county region. The findings of this study provide direction to the AHEC in relation to strengthening their partnerships, social capital, and improving the health workforce in their region.