CONsensus-based Process evaluation reporting guideline for public HEalth intervention Studies (CONPHES) conducted...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Implementation Science

Background:

• Process evaluations are crucial for understanding public health intervention effectiveness.
• Lack of standardized reporting guidelines hinders interpretation and comparison of process evaluations.
• Existing guidelines do not adequately address process evaluations conducted alongside effectiveness trials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a consensus-based and expert-driven reporting guideline for process evaluations of public health interventions.
• To improve the quality and consistency of reporting for process evaluations.
• To facilitate the translation of research findings into public health practice.

Main Methods:

• An international e-Delphi study was conducted with 137 invited experts.
• Experts included those involved in process evaluation design, high-profile researchers, journal editors, and guideline authors.
• Consensus (≥67%) was reached on 19 reporting items through multiple rounds of expert feedback.

Main Results:

• The CONPHES (Consensus-based Process Evaluation Reporting Guideline for public health intervention Studies) guideline comprises 19 items.
• Items cover intervention details, implementation strategies, causal pathways, delivery teams, evaluation frameworks, and quality assurance.
• An accompanying Explanation and Elaboration document provides detailed guidance for each item.

Conclusions:

• The CONPHES guideline is expected to enhance the reporting of process evaluations for public health interventions.
• Improved reporting can facilitate better understanding and application of research findings.
• This contributes to more effective public health practice and improved health outcomes.