A formative evaluation of the Welsh Heartbeat Award Scheme

This paper presents findings from a study which examined the experiences of Environmental Health Officers and catering establishments with the Welsh Heartbeat Award Scheme, and their views on its future direction. Data were obtained via self-completion questionnaires from 26 Environmental Health Officers and 117 catering establishments across Wales between November 1991 and May 1992. The results show that the scheme is valued by both groups. Suggested improvements included leaflets to promote the scheme to caterers, and hygiene guidance notes and a healthy catering recipe book for caterers. One key problem highlighted by the study was effective monitoring of the scheme, a solution to which may lie with District Health Authority commissioners.