Health Literacy Media Display
From SRM to Strategic Norm
Amorn Nonthasut ; MD. (2026-05-14)
Summary of the Evolution from SRM to Strategic Norm 1. The Foundation: SRM and SLM (2005) In 2005, Dr. Amorn Nontasut developed the Strategic Route Map (SRM) and its operational counterpart, the Strategic Linkage Model (SLM) . These tools utilize a four-dimension framework—Basic, Process, Network Partners, and People—to illustrate cause-and-effect relationships on a single page . Strategy is translated into action using the 11-Column Table, where government officials handle the first four columns (technical/strategic) and the community/local government manages the remaining seven (social measures and budget) . 2. The Shift to "Strategic Norm" (2011) By 2011, the process evolved into the "Strategic Norm" (Norm) to address the time-consuming nature of developing unique maps for every health issue . Definition of Norm: A "Norm" is defined as the set of tasks performed by areas that have successfully managed a specific health issue . Statistical Threshold: Tasks are recognized as a "Norm" if they reach a frequency of 65% or higher among successful practitioners . Purpose: It allows local areas to skip the lengthy planning phase by adopting "proven-to-work" tasks immediately . 3. Integration: From Issue-Based to Task-Based Traditional planning is often Issue-based (e.g., separate plans for Diabetes, Hypertension, or Maternal Health), which leads to repetitive work . The Norm approach promotes Task-based integration, grouping tasks from different health issues into a Common Activity Set . This integration typically condenses numerous projects into just 2–3 core initiatives: Target Group/Environment Management Project. Social Innovation Support Project . 4. Tangible Benefits: Efficiency and Savings The transition to a Norm-based integrated approach has proven to save significant resources. Evidence from implementation in Chiang Mai (2011) showed a 31.4% reduction in the total budget compared to traditional, non-integrated planning . It simplifies the workload for local staff and ensures that resources are focused on high-impact tasks . 5. Execution Tool: The 7-Column Table Because the strategic planning (the "what" and "why") is already established by the Norm, the implementation tool is simplified from 11 columns to a 7-Column Table for the community . This table focuses directly on tasks, indicators, quantity, budget, timeframe, and responsibility . 6. Future Challenges Successfully implementing the Norm approach requires: Accurate Data: Ensuring the search for "Norms" is statistically sound and representative to avoid bias . Dynamic Adaptation: Recognizing that Norms are dynamic and must change according to place and time . Mindset Shift: Moving stakeholders from tracking outcomes (KRI) to monitoring real-time performance indicators (KPI/PI) at the local level