Good practice recommendations on implementation evaluation for policies targeting diet, physical activity, and...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy Evaluation
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Health policies aim for system-level change, distinct from individual behavior interventions.
• A lack of data and practical guidance hinders effective policy implementation evaluation in Europe.
• Existing research gaps impede understanding of policy feasibility and success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize knowledge on evaluating the implementation of policies promoting healthy diets, physical activity, and reducing sedentary behaviors.
• To develop practice-oriented guidance for policymakers and implementers on evaluating policy implementation.
• To address the knowledge gap in policy implementation evaluation across Europe.

Main Methods:

• Conducted two scoping reviews, three systematic reviews, two meta-reviews, and two qualitative/one quantitative case study over three years.
• Synthesized findings from nine case reports on policy implementation evaluation.
• Engaged a multidisciplinary working group of 16 researchers.

Main Results:

• Identified three critical requirements for policy implementation evaluation: multi-level perspective, use of implementation frameworks, and stakeholder engagement.
• Developed a 10-step consensus-based process for evaluating policies on physical activity, healthy diet, and sedentary behavior.
• Highlighted the importance of understanding policy drivers for developing effective solutions.

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive, multi-level policy implementation evaluation using frameworks and stakeholder engagement is essential.
• The developed 10-step guidance empowers researchers and practitioners to conduct effective evaluations.
• Effective evaluation enhances understanding of policy effectiveness and informs future public health strategies.