Open AccessEvaluation of a national health promotion program in South Australia
Author(s) -
Baum Frances,
Santich Barbara,
Craig Barry,
Murray Charlie
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.946
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1753-6405
pISSN - 1326-0200
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-842x.1996.tb01334.x
Subject(s) - health promotion , equity (law) , program evaluation , promotion (chess) , public relations , business , focus group , political science , medicine , medical education , economic growth , nursing , public health , public administration , marketing , economics , politics , law
This paper reports the findings of the evaluation of the South Australian component of the National Better Health Program. The evaluation used analysis of focus‐group interviews and key documents to assess the value of the state program. The evaluation demonstrated that for a relatively small investment ($2.4 million was allocated to the project over four years, representing only 0.5 per cent of the annual budget for teaching hospitals in South Australia), much can be achieved by harnessing the energy of local communities. The evaluation concluded that more attention should be directed to structural change, with an emphasis on collaboration across sectors, and community participation. Some key issues for the planning and implementation of health promotion were highlighted: the challenge of marrying local initiatives based on community development with national health promotion objectives; the importance of dedicated cind assured funding; the need for increased training and support for health promotion workers; and the importance of continuing a focus on equity in the implementation of health promotion. The paper concludes by questioning the value of the current Australian goals, targets and strategies for health, given the findings from this evaluation.