Public Health Innovation & Action

?? ???????????????????? ?????? ???????????????????????? ???? ???? & ???????????? ???????????? ?? Here at Phia, we’ve been busy exploring how we are adopting AI in qualitative methods (more on that soon!) and supporting a project examining what it looks like and requires to have true community engagement in the adoption of AI tools in public health. Needless to say, we’ve been loving our work in this space! In our recent paper published in JMIR, my co-authors and I make the case for why community engagement must be at the core of AI adoption in public health. Highlights from our Viewpoint article: 1.) Without community engagement, adopting AI technologies in public health may exclude populations with the fewest resources and exacerbate health inequities. 2.) With its strong foundation in participatory methods, public health is well-positioned to engage communities in how AI technologies are applied to population health. 3.) A multifaceted approach for safer and more effective integration of AI into public health includes: i.) training the public health workforce on AI in our field, ii.) authentic partnerships with communities for the co-design of AI tools, and iii.) best practice mechanisms to prevent or mitigate potential harms. ??I have linked to the article in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation going—how do you see AI shaping the future of public health in your work? ……………………………………… ???Hi, I’m Andrea Mantsios, Founder & Principal Consultant of Public Health Innovation & Action (Phia). Phia is a public health consultancy dedicated to using qualitative methods to amplify community voices in health research and programs. ??Please visit our website phiaconsulting.org to learn more about what we do! #AIinPublicHealth #HealthEquity #CommunityEngagement #PublicHealthInnovation

What a pleasure to guest lecture for the Community Health course at University of Pittsburgh! ???? I always love talking about the exciting community engaged research we do at Phia! I loved sharing with students not just the methods and approaches that are at the heart of our work co-designing public health research with communities but also in sharing case studies from current and recent projects to bring it all to life! I so much enjoyed the thoughtful questions and engaging dialogue with the students. ?? ?Thank you for having me, Zoé Mistrale Hendrickson, PhD! …………………………………… ???Hi, I’m Andrea Mantsios, Founder & Principal Consultant of Public Health Innovation & Action (Phia). Phia is a public health consultancy dedicated to using qualitative methods to amplify community voices in health research and programs. ??Please visit our website phiaconsulting.org to learn more about what we do! #CommunityHealth #publichealthresearch #guestlecture #highereducation

Feeling so grateful to be part of this incredible group of powerhouse consultants! Last week, I had the privilege of spending 4 days in San Diego with these brilliant, inspiring individuals, learning and growing together in community. It was a perfect opportunity to focus on the exciting future of Phia and how we’re expanding to better serve our amazing clients while supporting new ones! ???? A huge thank you to Natalie Eckdahl, MBA for creating this wonderful space. And to all the masterful minds in this group, thank you each for your insightful contributions throughout such a productive and fulfilling week. I can’t wait to see how we all elevate our impact and continue our meaningful work in the year ahead! ……………………………………… ???Hi, I’m Andrea Mantsios, Founder & Principal Consultant of Public Health Innovation & Action (Phia). Phia is a public health consultancy dedicated to using qualitative methods to amplify community voices in health research and programs. ??Please visit our website phiaconsulting.org to learn more about what we do! #PublicHealthConsulting #ImpactfulWork #PurposeDriven #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness

??Publication alert?? Thrilled to share a Viewpoint piece I co-authored with a spectacular team of public health researchers and computer scientists just published in JMIR! ???? ?????? ???? ?? ???????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????? ?????? ???????????? ???????????? ???? ?????????????????? ???????????????????? ???? ???? ?????? ???????? You can check out the paper here: https://lnkd.in/eKcSSZ2T …………………………………………………….. ???Hi, I’m Andrea Mantsios, Founder & Principal Consultant of Public Health Innovation & Action (Phia). Phia is a public health consultancy dedicated to using qualitative methods to amplify community voices in health research and programs. ??Please visit our website phiaconsulting.org?to learn more about what we do! #publication #AI #AIinPublicHealth #CommunityEngagement

Strengths-based approaches have always been at the core of my work. I thought I’d share how Appreciative Inquiry offers a powerful framework to deepen and formalize this perspective. ??? Have you heard of it? Appreciative Inquiry is a strengths-based theory of change that focuses on what works, rather than what’s broken. It’s all about asking better questions—ones that uncover strengths and possibilities instead of problems and deficits. ?? “What’s thriving in this community?” ?? “How can we build on what’s already working?” This method feels like a natural extension of the approach I’ve taken throughout my work. From my dissertation research on how participating in organically formed community savings groups can be an HIV protective behavior among female sex workers to my consulting projects today, I’ve always believed in building on what works and leveraging strengths. ?????? ?? ???????? ????: Appreciative Inquiry provides a formal framework that brings structure to this mindset. It offers practical tools and methods for designing research questions, conducting interviews, and approaching co-design in a way that’s action-oriented and rooted in hope and potential. ???????? ???? ?????????? ????????: As an example, if you were exploring ways a healthcare facility could better serve a community, you could ask: “???????? ???? ?????? ???????? ?????????????? ?????????” → ?????????????? ???? ?????????????????? ?????????????? ?????????????????????? ?????? ?????????????????? ?????? ???????????????? ???????????? “???????? ???? ?????????? ?? ???????? ???????? ?? ???????????????? ???????????? ?????? ????????.” → ?????????????? ???? ???????? ?????? ???? ?????????????? ???????? ???????????????? ???????????????????? ?????????????????????? ???????? ???? ?????? ???? ?????? ???? ???? ???????? ???? ???????? These questions focus on strengths, potential, and positive experiences, creating a foundation for identifying and building on what works. ?????? ???? ??????????????: By shifting the lens, Appreciative Inquiry supports communities in co-creating solutions by building on their successes. By focusing on what works, we unlock valuable insights and foster a sense of possibility and hope. What’s your experience with Appreciative Inquiry or other strengths-based approaches? Let’s discuss! ………………………………………. ???Hi, I’m Andrea Mantsios, Founder & Principal Consultant of Public Health Innovation & Action (Phia). Phia is a public health consultancy dedicated to using qualitative methods to amplify community voices in health research and programs. ??Please visit our website phiaconsulting.org to learn more about what we do! #QualitativeResearch #CommunityVoices #PublicHealth

As we step into 2025, I’m filled with gratitude and pride, reflecting on the incredible strides Phia made in 2024 and looking ahead with excitement for what’s to come. Together, we’ve created meaningful impact, and I’m thrilled to share some highlights that made 2024 such a remarkable year: ???????? ???????????????????? & ?????????????????????????????? ?? ???????????????????? ?????????????? ???? ???????????????????????????? ????????????????: ???????????? ???????????? ???????????? ??????????????????????: Partnered with patients, caregivers, and community members to evaluate the health equity implications of changes in healthcare service delivery. ???????????????????????? & ???????????? ????????????: Conducted key stakeholder interviews to identify system-level solutions addressing the health needs of older adults experiencing homelessness. ??????????????-???????????????? ????????????????-???????????? ????????: Developed a shared decision-making tool to guide conversations around PrEP for HIV prevention. ?? ????????????????????????: Co-authored a gendered analysis of interviews with Latina cisgender women recommended for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. ?? ?????????? ????????????????: ?????????? ????????????????????: Presented on the critical role of qualitative research in community health. ???????????????? ????????????????????: Shared insights on how community savings groups can improve health outcomes for economically marginalized populations. ??? ?????????????? ??????????????: PhChats (College of Physicians): Discussed public health consulting with Leah Roman and Rene Nejera, sharing how Phia leverages qualitative methods to amplify community voices. ?????????????? ?????????? ???? ???????? ? ?????????????????? ?????? ????????: Welcoming an administrative assistant to streamline operations and a research assistant for special projects. ?? ???????????????????? ????????????????: Deepening our commitment to using qualitative methods to tackle emerging public health challenges and advance health equity. ?? ???????????????????? ????????????: Partnering with organizations and communities to co-create solutions that prioritize lived experiences and foster equity-driven decision-making. Here’s to a new year of supporting communities, fostering innovation, and creating a healthier, more equitable future! Do you need qualitative research support on your public health research projects or programs? Let’s chat! ………………………………………….. ???Hi, I’m Andrea Mantsios, Founder & Principal Consultant of Public Health Innovation & Action (Phia). Phia is a public health consultancy dedicated to using qualitative methods to amplify community voices in health research and programs. ??Please visit our website https://phiaconsulting.org?to learn more about what we do! #PublicHealth #HealthEquity #Innovation #CommunityVoices #2025

? This past week, I had the privilege of working alongside my extraordinary colleagues from the Public Health Team at Community Solutions, Inc. right here in NYC! For over a year, I’ve been collaborating with this incredible team on the Homelessness and Public Health Collaborative, partnering with states across the nation to drive impactful change. This week, we brought that work home to NYC, and I couldn’t be more inspired. ?? Highlights from our 3-day working session included: ?? Touring Bellevue Hospital's Safety Net program and meeting their dedicated team providing care to individuals with complex medical needs and housing challenges. ???????? Visiting HHC’s Street Health Outreach and Wellness (SHOW) mobile unit, which delivers comprehensive healthcare and support to people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. ?? Strategizing on state partnerships with in-depth sessions focused on work plans and evaluation approaches to amplify our impact. Together, we’re committed to supporting communities in finding solutions at the intersection of homelessness and public health. Here’s to more terrific work and meaningful partnerships ahead. ???? ………………………………… ???Hi, I’m Andrea Mantsios, Founder & Principal Consultant of Public Health Innovation & Action (Phia). Phia is a public health consultancy dedicated to using qualitative methods to amplify community voices in health research and programs. ??Please visit our website phiaconsulting.org to learn more about what we do! #EndHomelessness #PublicHealth #CommunitySolutions #NYCImpact

?? ???? ???? ???????????? ???????????? & ?????? ???????????????????? ???? ?? ????-???????????? ?????????????????? ???? This year, we've had the privilege of supporting a client on some fascinating work exploring AI's role in public health, with a focus on the critical need for community engagement in AI adoption. The study described in this paper provides a great example of how engaging community members in a co-design process, which integrates their perspectives and insights, ensures that AI innovations address people’s real-world needs and preferences. ?????? ???????????????? #??: For AI to truly enhance health outcomes, it’s essential that communities—especially underrepresented populations like older adults—are directly involved in the development process. Collaborating with computer scientists and public health experts ensures that technology is designed with real human needs in mind. ?? ?????? ???????????????? #??: A co-design approach is a powerful tool for creating human-centered AI solutions. By working alongside older adults, we can create smarter, more accessible systems to support independent living and improve health outcomes for aging populations. ?? Read the article here: Developing Independent Living Support for Older Adults Using Internet of Things and AI-Based Systems: Co-Design Study https://lnkd.in/eZYhqMJZ ?? Question for fellow public health professionals: How does your organization ensure community voices are central to your technology initiatives? ………………………………………………………… ???Hi, I’m Andrea Mantsios, Founder & Principal Consultant of Public Health Innovation & Action (Phia). Phia is a public health consultancy dedicated to using qualitative methods to amplify community voices in health research and programs. ??Please visit our website phiaconsulting.org?to learn more about what we do! #PublicHealth #AI #CoDesign #HealthTech #CommunityEngagement

Our team is growing! ?? We're hiring a part-time administrative assistant to join the All-star Phia Team. Are you an exceptional, detail-oriented virtual assistant? Or do you know someone perfect for this role? Tag them below! ?We can't wait to find our superstar! Check out the job description here: https://bit.ly/4eOn7XL ??Please share with your network! ………………………………… ???Hi, I’m Andrea Mantsios, Founder & Principal Consultant of Public Health Innovation & Action (Phia). Phia is a public health consultancy dedicated to using qualitative methods to amplify community voices in health research and programs. ??Please visit our website https://phiaconsulting.org to learn more about what we do! #jobposting #publichealth #communityhealth #virtualassistant

Confession time: I'm a total QDA software nerd! ?? While I'm Team ATLAS.ti, I appreciate the value of Dedoose, NVivo, and MAXQDA. Each brings something special to the qualitative analysis table. But here's the plot twist: sometimes traditional coding isn't the best fit for your data. Enter my favorite underrated hero: The Analytic Matrix ?? In matrix analysis, categorized data is displayed in individual cells, streamlining the process of noting similarities, differences, and trends in responses across groups of informants. This analytic strategy can be used for data synthesis, interpretation, display, and dissemination of findings. It’s really a gem! ?? At Phia, we've found Analytic Matrices to be game-changers for analyzing field notes from standardized interview forms. Why? They're wonderful for: ? Spotting patterns across responses ? Highlighting contrasting perspectives ? Identifying key themes ? Mapping specific insights to research questions ? Enabling quick comparison through concise and structured information ? Making findings more approachable when working in partnership with community members who do not have formal qual methods training So when do you choose analytic matrix over traditional coding? ?? Go Matrix when: ? You need practical, direct answers to research questions ? Your data naturally maps onto specific outcomes ? You need an immediate visual comparison of information across research questions, categories of participants, or other designated classifications of data ? Example: "How do patient experiences with health education materials impact their clinic experience?" Stick to traditional QDA when: ? You're diving deep into human behavior and lived experiences ? You're exploring complex attitudes and perspectives ? You're uncovering nuanced healthcare experiences ? You need multiple transcript readings to discover emerging themes The beauty of qualitative research is choosing the right tool for the right job! ?? Your turn: Do you use analytic matrices in your qual work? What types of projects do you find them most valuable for? Let's share experiences! New to matrix analysis? Read more about this useful and widely applicable method here: Averill, J. B. (2002). Matrix analysis as a complementary analytic strategy in qualitative inquiry. Qualitative Health Research, 12, 855–866. ………………………………………… ???Hi, I’m Andrea Mantsios, Founder & Principal Consultant of Public Health Innovation & Action (Phia). Phia is a public health consultancy dedicated to using qualitative methods to amplify community voices in health research and programs. ??Please visit our website https://phiaconsulting.org?to learn more about what we do! #QualitativeResearch #ResearchMethods #DataAnalysis #HealthcareResearch #ResearchCommunity