Knowledge development and evaluation in, of and for healthy community initiatives. Part II: Potential content foci

Abstract

In this second paper of a two-part series, several options for evaluation and knowledge development in, of and for Healthy Communities (HC) are reviewed, through an examination of the different bases upon which it might be structured. The dimensions reviewed include using the following as potential yardsticks for evaluation: (i) results of community visioning exercises; (ii) HC principles, concepts and strategies; (iii) barriers and facilitating factors in the movement between stages of project development/realization; (iv) sector and unit analysis, (v) proximal and distal outcomes; and (vi) viewing the HC approach as a community health development strategy. While other elements might well be added, the discussion is meant to provide an indication of the range of possibilities available rather than serve as a definitive or exhaustive listing. Nor are these mutually exclusive, in so far as particular knowledge development initiatives may explore several of these issues or frameworks in combination. In keeping with part I, the importance of maintaining flexibility, of broad local participation, of critical reflection, and of a grounding in local practice-based conceptual models is emphasized.