The goals of multisector collaboratives (MSCs) vary from community to community, but many health-focused MSCs—like ACHs—share three desired outcomes: positive systems change, improved equity, and collaborative sustainability.

Systems Change is adjusting what is included in a system or how it works.⁵⁹ It is widely acknowledged that entire systems must be changed and aligned for MSCs to realize their intended outcomes.⁶⁰ Internal dynamics among MSC participants can be optimized to produce positive systems change.
Equity is the “absence of unfair, avoidable or remedial differences among groups of people.”⁶¹ By centering equity and community voice in all partner operations, MSCs shift power and resources to produce more equitable outcomes and a stronger, more cohesive community. There is general agreement that a focus on upstream processes is needed to improve community outcomes and promote equity.⁶² Therefore, improved collaboration can shape better MSC outcomes related to equity.
Sustainability is the “maintenance or improvement of resources, infrastructure, activities, outcomes, and relationships to affect community health over time.”⁶³ MSCs must be sustainable to create lasting systems change and equity improvements. However, many MSCs are established without a plan for sustaining improvements long-term. Successful approaches to sustaining MSC productivity—including collaborative actions and outcomes—are key to maintaining and growing long-term systems-level improvements.

Learn more about MSCs in the PHIL brief, “Improving Population Health Through Multisector Collaboration.”

Learn more about systems change in the PHIL brief, “Creating Positive Systems Change Through Multisector Collaboration.”

Learn more about equity in the PHIL brief, “Advancing Equity with Multisector Collaboration.”

Learn more about sustainability in the PHIL brief, “Building Multisector Collaboration for the Long-Term.”

View all references for the Data Walk.