Exploring the role and turnover among heart health coordinators in the Ontario Heart Health Program: A qualitative study

Abstract

The Ontario Heart Health Program has completed Phase I of a province-wide cardiovascular disease prevention program that employs community-based coalitions. Full-time heart health coordinates support the coalitions, but many coordinators left during Phase I, reducing coalition membership and compromising functioning. This thesis employed focused ethnography to explore the role, and turnover among heart health coordinators. A selective document review and thirteen telephone interviews with coordinators, chronic disease managers and coalition members from five different health units, found coordinators were challenged by: (1) an atypical job, (2) a lack of knowledge/experience (3) overwork, (4) a lack of support and recognition, and (5) coalition responsibilities. Coordinators required an understanding of the organizational structures, mandates, and funding requirements of the health unit, and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care so they could mediate conflict, build relationships and advocate for heart health coalitions. Implications for education, practice, research and policy are discussed.