Assessing the system of services for chronic diseases prevention and control in the US-affiliated Pacific Islands: introduction and methods.

Chronic diseases are among the most costly and, in part, preventable health problems that share common behavioral risk factors. Data related to the prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, their risk factors, and the description of the capacity of the health and medical care system to address these problems are limited in the US-affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI). This paper presents the background and methods used in conducting comprehensive assessments of the health care systems in ten sites across the USAPI. The principles used as the basis for conducting these assessments included capacity building and skills training. The methods included identifying the on-site Needs Assessment Team (NAT), developing the conceptual model; archival data collection; key informant interviews; reviewing data and documents to identify the key problems and issues to be prioritized; and reviewing and prioritizing the problems and issues.