Strategy Selector
About the Strategy Selector
The Strategy Selector Tool is a quick way to choose strategy(-ies) that have the most potential for impact. This tool can be used in conjunction with the MCHbest database, the Evidence Accelerators, and the Strategy Planning Tool, depending on your needs and timeline.
The tool contains reflective questions based on the six domains of the Hexagon Tool to help you make decisions on which strategies you want to invest in for each NPM or SM.
Think of this as a strategic roadmap that helps you make informed, impactful decisions.
How To Use the Tool
- Download the editable Excel file.
- Click to the tab that corresponds to the measure you want to focus on.
- Review the complete list of strategies; click on links to see more details for each strategy.
- Answer each question in the Hexagon Tool framework for strategies you're considering.
- Compare your calculated match percentages to identify the most promising approaches.
- Answer key questions on whether each strategy will work, why/why not, and how to implement.
- Use the Strategy Planning Tool (SPLAT) if you don't see any strateties that meet your needs in the list.
Step-By-Step Guidance About the Hexagon Tool Domains
Below you'll find specific instructions and tips for each of the six steps in the Hexagon Tool that is the basis for scoring strategies so you can decide which one will have the biggest impact for your populations.
1. Evidence: What Does the Research Tell Us?
Is there evidence that this strategy would work for your populations?
- Evaluate the strength and quality of available research.
- Consider both published studies and practice-based evidence.
- Assess the demonstrated impact on your target populations.
- Determine how well the evidence aligns with your specific context.
2. Usability: Can You Effectively Track and Measure Results?
Can you collect data for this strategy? Can you measure program activities? Short-term outcomes that are the direct result of Title V?
- Do you have the systems in place to collect meaningful data?
- Consider your current reporting and evaluation capabilities.
- Assess whether implementation steps are clear and actionable.
- Determine if you can monitor both implementation fidelity and outcomes.
3. Supports: Is This Financially Feasible for your Organization?
Can you carry out this strategy in your agency or contract it out? Can you sustain it? Are there financial and admin supports?
- Can you sustain the program over time?
- Evaluate both immediate and long-term resource requirements.
- Consider potential funding streams and sustainability mechanisms.
- Assess political and administrative support for the strategy.
4. Need: Does This Strategy Address a Critical Community Health Challenge?
Does this strategy address a specific need or root cause for all populations or an important subpopulation requiring focused help?
- Will it support populations with the greatest needs?
- Refer to what your Needs Assessment identified as community health priorities.
- Consider whether this addresses an urgent or persistent health issue.
- Evaluate the scale of the need in your specific communities.
5. Fit: How Well Does This Strategy Align with Your Organizational Mission?
Does this strategy align with your organization's priorities? Community/specific population values? Other existing initiatives?
- Can it integrate with existing programs and initiatives?
- Consider your current strategic priorities and community partnerships.
- Assess alignment with state and local health improvement plans.
- Evaluate appropriateness for your specific communities.
6. Capacity: Does Your Team Have the Expertise to Implement This Strategy?
Do you have the workforce to do this strategy? Do you get support from the community, practitioners, others?
Will community partners and stakeholders support this approach?
Assess your workforce readiness and potential for professional development.
Consider availability of necessary technology and infrastructure. Evaluate existing partnerships that could support implementation.