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Defining sustainable practice in community‐based health promotion: A Delphi study of practitioner perspectives
Author(s) -
Harris Neil,
Sandor Maria
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
health promotion journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.515
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 2201-1617
pISSN - 1036-1073
DOI - 10.1071/he12908
Subject(s) - population health , health promotion , delphi method , sustainability , community health , public relations , public health , promotion (chess) , medicine , nursing , political science , ecology , statistics , mathematics , politics , law , biology
Issue addressed Sustainability of practice must be a central imperative in the practice of community‐based health promotion to achieve population health and attract a greater share of public health spending. Although there has been some consideration of sustainability at the project or program levels, often understood as intervention longevity, very limited attention has been given to understanding sustainable practice. Methods The present study develops a definition and features of sustainable practice in community‐based health promotion through a Delphi method with health promotion practitioners in Queensland, Australia. Results The study presents a consensus definition and features of sustainable practice. The definition highlights the importance of collaboration, health determinants and aspirations, processes and outcomes. The four features of sustainable practice identified in the study are: (1) effective relationships and partnerships; (2) evidence‐based decision making and practice; (3) emphasis on building community capacity; and (4) supportive context for practice. Conclusions The definition and features are, to a large extent, consistent with the limited literature around sustainability at the project and program levels of health promotion. Together, they provide insight into a form of community‐based health promotion that will be both viable and productive. So what? This consensus understanding of sustainable practice articulates the foundations of working effectively with local communities in achieving improved population health within global limits.