Evaluation methodologies for food and health policies

In 1986 and 1987 work was carried out to investigate the quality and extent of evaluation processes associated with implementation of local food health policies (LFHP). The responses from two national postal questionnaires suggest the following trends:1 Most Health Authorities and Health Boards (HA & HBs) with a formally approved LFHP recognize the need for evaluation. 2 Some confusion probably exists between the processes of collecting baseline data, monitoring {checking on the progress by repeatedly collecting data using similar methods), evaluation (determining effectiveness of an action or series of actions), and review (deciding to continue, stop or modify action). 3 Most evaluation of LFHP activity appears to have taken place within the NHS. 4 Questionnaires appear to be the most frequently used (71%) research tool. 5 Most research aims to assess levels of nutritional knowledge or dietary behaviour, with little attention being paid to investigations of food availability. Recommendations for the future development of evaluative processes for LFHPs are made.