Figure 1.

Common framework linking academic activity to impact on health facilities. This framework describes how, theoretically, components of academic resources influence community health facilities and ultimately contribute to improved community health. Academic resources consist of medical schools and students. Community health facilities consist of staff, patients, facilities, administration, and communities. These facility components influence patient care, the care environment, and the ability of the facility to engage in community-oriented outreach. Ultimately, the academic resources and community health facility resources converge to influence health outcomes.