Developing comprehensive health promotion evaluations: a methodological review

Evaluation has an integral role in effective health promotion, yet few large scale health promotion interventions prospectively incorporate rigorous evaluation into their planning processes. To promote greater use of evaluation we reviewed the health promotion literature incorporating evaluations and have produced a succinct summary. Methods: MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases were accessed to identify health promotion publications, which utilised formal evaluation. Publication were then summarised and reviewed informing on evaluation methods relevant to health promotion. Results: Numerous health promotion evaluation levels and approaches exist some of which include objective-based, needs-based, collaborative and utilization focused. Multiple evaluation frameworks are available including the RE-AIM, Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Medical Research Council framework (MRC). Data collection methods often include both qualitative and quantitative methods and validated tools are limited but important. Evaluation approaches and frameworks have been applied effectively to diverse health programs with useful learnings. Evaluation enablers include: I. Prospective planning II. Tailoring the evaluation to the study context III. Engaging with evaluation target audience early IV. Ample time to undertake the evaluation Conclusion: Evaluation of health promotion interventions is imperative to deliver benefits of research into improved health outcomes. Understanding of evaluation concepts including levels, approaches and framework and methods is needed to facilitate consistent use of evaluation in research. Ultimately, health promotion programs require context specific adaptable evaluations. Greater opportunities exist for shared learnings to build evaluation capacity and to deliver greater health impacts.