Evaluation in health promotion: Gathering evidence to improve effectiveness

The evidence base for public health decision making is limited. This research aimed to determine the strengths and limitations of evaluation practice in Australian health promotion, and identify what needs to be addressed to improve evaluation quality. Over 400 health promotion practitioners participated in interviews or surveys, and program evaluation reports were appraised. Important influences upon evaluation were identified to act within the organisation and prevention system, including leadership, culture, funding, policy and administration. There is opportunity to build evaluation capacity by addressing the pivotal determinants of health promotion evaluation, particularly in organisations that deliver programs on a smaller scale.