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Primary Submission Category: Chronic disease

Examining the Structural Capacity of CBOs through a Modified SWOT Analysis

Authors:  Gianna D’Apolito, Niko Verdecias-Pellum,

Presenting Author: Gianna D’Apolito*

Addressing social needs like food and housing is increasingly recognized as essential for improving health outcomes and managing chronic diseases. However, there’s a notable gap in the literature on implementing these programs within Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). Through an environmental scan, this study assesses the structural capacity—defined as the systems, resources, and infrastructure of CBOs—to integrate social needs protocols into their services. We conducted a literature review using 17 search terms across PubMed, SCOPUS, and a general Google search, yielding 224 records from November 2024 to January 2025. Of these, 23 articles were relevant based on title and abstract analysis.

The data were analyzed using a modified SWOT analysis, restructured into two broad categories: facilitators (strengths and opportunities) and barriers (weaknesses and threats), to examine structural capacity influences on a spectrum from internal to external factors from a CBO perspective. Factors that did not fit neatly into internal or external categories were classified under “other.” Facilitators ranged from internal processes like addressing social needs and patient navigation to external elements such as CBO-community relationships and partnerships. Barriers included internal challenges like data management capabilities and limited staff interaction, to external issues like inconsistent provider referrals and social needs tracking. Additional considerations included organizational, state, and national policies, as well as the populations served. This analysis helps lay the groundwork for enhancing CBO capacities in addressing social needs and managing chronic diseases.