Data-Driven Media Monitoring Improves Federal Health Program Development and Implementation

Challenge

Solution

The agency collaborated with Guidehouse to develop media monitoring and analysis for three programs, including a childhood prevention program, a disease prevention program, and a community of practice program. The Guidehouse team performed social and traditional media monitoring research and analysis for these three major programs: 

National Disease Prevention Program — Guidehouse designed and implemented a research effort using previously untapped data sources, including social media and internet searches, and advanced analytic tools like machine learning and natural language processing. (NLP). Leveraging these sources helped the agency to measure public awareness and sentiment related to public narratives that could be optimized for increasing program recruitment and retention. 

Childhood Disease Prevention Program — Guidehouse built a research and evaluation system of public sentiment and online expressions which allowed agency leaders to better understand public perceptions, how those perceptions varied geographically, and how to conduct optimal outreach to diverse segments of the public. 

Community of Practice Program — The Guidehouse team conducted research and analysis to identify trends and patterns in how the public searched online for program information, accessed and navigated websites, and shared program information on social media. 

Impact

Through collaboration with Guidehouse, the agency obtained critical data and analytics to help improve decision making, program participation, communication, and ability to identify and interact with affected populations. Results included enhanced and earlier identification of disease, increased education, tailored support programs, and lifestyle changes. Other impacts were:

Guidehouse’s actionable insights — enabled the agency to make data-driven decisions resulting in increased enrollment and retention, and improved support for targeted populations. Guidehouse also developed continuous monitoring capabilities to support ongoing analysis.

The Childhood Disease Prevention Project — led to the identification and improved visibility of public perceptions and potential risk via data-driven surveillance of key metrics within public sentiment. The real time findings enabled the agency to transition from a reactive to proactive strategy to address at-risk children. 

Community of practice research and analysis — led to the development of a data-driven social media strategy, improved public awareness, identification of additional areas impacted, and enhanced community engagement strategies. These collaborative efforts also resulted in the publication of a scientifically peer reviewed article.