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Graham K, Meyer M. Developing a system response to health and homelessness: The important role of health leaders. Healthc Manage Forum 2024:8404704241266497. [PMID: 39046918 DOI: 10.1177/08404704241266497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
This article examines the role of health leaders in the early stages of a community response to address health and homelessness in London, Ontario. Specifically, we explore how leaders from large healthcare-providing organizations have influenced the dynamics of the entire community response. We argue that the high level of engagement from health leaders has been a key ingredient in the early successes of the new approach in London, in part because it validated the reframing of homelessness as a healthcare issue-importantly, changing perceptions about who shares the responsibility to address it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Graham
- Huron University and Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew Meyer
- London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
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MacKinlay B, Heneghan K, Potts AJ, Radley D, Sanders G, Walker IF. Process evaluation of implementation of the early stages of a whole systems approach to obesity in a small Island. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1376. [PMID: 38778279 PMCID: PMC11110233 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18876-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The small Atlantic island of St Helena is a United Kingdom Overseas Territory (UKOT) with a high prevalence of childhood obesity (over a quarter of 4-5 and 10-11 year olds) and, anecdotally, adulthood obesity and its associated health detriments. St Helena have taken a whole systems approach to obesity (WSAO) to address the issue. A WSAO recognises the factors that impact obesity as a complex system and requires a 'health in all policies' approach. UK academic and public health technical support was provided to the local St Helena delivery team. This process evaluation sought to explore the early stages of the WSAO implementation and implications for the transferability of the approach to other small island developing states and UKOT. METHODS Data was collected via eight semi-structured interviews, paper based and online surveys, and document analysis. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS The analysis identified three factors which aided the first phase of WSAO implementation: (1) senior leaders support for the approach; (2) the academic support provided to establish and develop the approach; and (3) effective adaptation of UK Government resources to suit the local context. Key challenges of early implementation included: maintaining and broadening stakeholder engagement; limited local workforce capacity and baseline knowledge related to obesity and systems thinking; and limited capacity for support from the UK-based academic team due to contract terms and COVID-19 restrictions. CONCLUSIONS Early stages of implementation of a WSAO in a UKOT can be successful when using UK's resources as a guide and adapting them to a small island context. All participants recommended other small islands adopt this approach. Continued senior support, dedicated leadership, and comprehensive community engagement is needed to progress implementation and provide the foundation for long-term impact. Small island developing states considering adopting a WSAO should consider political will, senior level buy-in and support, funding, and local workforce knowledge and capacity to enable the best chances of successful and sustainable implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittney MacKinlay
- UK Overseas Territories Programme, Department of Health and Social Care, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, 39 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0EU, UK.
| | - Kate Heneghan
- Health Promotion Lead, St Helena Government, St Helena, UK
| | | | - Duncan Radley
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - George Sanders
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Ian F Walker
- UK Overseas Territories Programme, Department of Health and Social Care, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, 39 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0EU, UK
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Heinze C, Hartmeyer RD, Sidenius A, Ringgaard LW, Bjerregaard AL, Krølner RF, Allender S, Bauman A, Klinker CD. Developing and Evaluating a Data-Driven and Systems Approach to Health Promotion Among Vocational Students: Protocol for the Data Health Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e52571. [PMID: 38319698 PMCID: PMC10879971 DOI: 10.2196/52571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vocational school students exhibit significant risk behaviors in terms of poor diet, frequent use of nicotine products, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, low levels of physical activity, and poor mental health. This makes vocational students vulnerable to the development of noncommunicable diseases. Therefore, effective health promotion programs targeting vocational students are required. OBJECTIVE The Danish study "Data-driven and Systems Approach to Health Promotion Among Vocational Students" (Data Health) aims to develop, implement, and evaluate a systems approach to support vocational schools, municipalities, and local communities in implementing locally relevant health promotion actions among and for vocational students. This paper describes the Data Health program and how implementation and preliminary effectiveness will be evaluated. METHODS The Data Health program offers an iterative 5-step process to develop changes in the systems that shape health behavior and well-being among vocational students. The program will be implemented and evaluated in 8 Danish vocational schools in 4 municipalities. The implementation of the process and actions will be explored using a systems-based evaluation design that assesses contextual differences and the mechanisms through which the program leads to changes in the systems. Preliminary effectiveness at the individual level (students' self-reported health behavior and well-being) and organizational level (school organizational readiness reported by school staff) will be assessed using a quasi-experimental design, and cross-sectional data will be collected at all 8 schools simultaneously 4 times during the 2-year study period. RESULTS This study was launched in 2021, and data collection is expected to be completed in June 2024. The first results are expected to be submitted for publication in January 2024. CONCLUSIONS We expect that the Data Health study will make significant contributions to complex intervention research by contributing to the paucity of research studies that have used systems approaches in school settings. The study will also provide evidence of successful elements for systems change and effectiveness to determine whether a national scale-up can be recommended. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05308459; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05308459. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/52571.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Heinze
- Department of Prevention, Health Promotion and Community Care, Copenhagen University Hospital - Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rikke Dalgaard Hartmeyer
- Department of Prevention, Health Promotion and Community Care, Copenhagen University Hospital - Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Anne Sidenius
- Department of Prevention, Health Promotion and Community Care, Copenhagen University Hospital - Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Lene Winther Ringgaard
- Department of Prevention, Health Promotion and Community Care, Copenhagen University Hospital - Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | | | - Steven Allender
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adrian Bauman
- Department of Prevention, Health Promotion and Community Care, Copenhagen University Hospital - Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
- School of Public Health, Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Charlotte Demant Klinker
- Department of Prevention, Health Promotion and Community Care, Copenhagen University Hospital - Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
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Felmingham T, Bolton KA, Fraser P, Allender S, Brown AD. Measuring Shifts in Mental Models in the Prevention of Childhood Obesity in Rural Australia. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2023; 50:662-670. [PMID: 37128853 PMCID: PMC10492428 DOI: 10.1177/10901981231165339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Group model building is a participatory workshop technique used in system dynamics for developing community consensus to address complex problems by consensus building on individual assumptions. This study examines changes in individual mental models of the complex problem of childhood obesity following participation in group model building (GMB), as part of a larger community-based system dynamics project. Data are drawn from GMB participants across six community sites in the Whole of Systems Trial of Prevention Strategies for Childhood Obesity (WHO STOPS) in rural and regional Victoria, Australia. Each community participated in two GMB sessions resulting in a causal loop diagram (CLD) of drivers of childhood obesity for each community. Presurvey and postsurvey captured participants' perspectives before and after (n = 25) participation in both GMB sessions and a blend of inductive and deductive qualitative content analysis was used to code individual responses. Three calculations were used to determine the number of responses, whether responses were a result of persuasion from others, and comparison of responses to those found in the CLD. Our study found participant mental models shifted during the course of the GMB sessions, with some responses persuaded by others and 75% of new insights identified in CLDs created by communities. The GMB process created a platform for participants to share ideas and learn from each other. In addition, participants listed new insights about childhood obesity in their community through developing CLDs.
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Felmingham T, O'Halloran S, Poorter J, Rhook E, Needham C, Hayward J, Fraser P, Kilpatrick S, Leahy D, Allender S. Systems thinking in local government: intervention design and adaptation in a community-based study. Health Res Policy Syst 2023; 21:90. [PMID: 37667377 PMCID: PMC10478182 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-023-01034-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systems thinking approaches are increasingly being used by communities to address complex chronic disease. This paper reports on the VicHealth Local Government Partnership (VLGP) which sought to co-create improvements in the health and well-being of children and young people by working with local government in Victoria, Australia. METHODS The VLGP included a series of health promotion modules, aimed at creating policy, programme and practice changes across local government. One of these modules, Connecting the Dots - creating solutions for lasting change, aimed to build capacity for systems thinking in municipal public health and well-being planning across 13 councils. The approach was adapted and data were collected on the stimuli for, and results of, adaptation. RESULTS The council adapted the systems thinking approach to meet geographic characteristics, priority health issue/s and participant target group needs. Adaptions applied to workshop materials, training delivery, existing and new resources, and to align with other community-based approaches. Stimuli for adaptation included the COVID-19 pandemic, needs of children and young people, capacity of council to deliver the workshop series, and time available within the project or for the participant group. CONCLUSIONS Systems thinking was used and adapted by councils to improve the health and well-being of children and young people and increase the voices of children and young people in decision-making. Flexible delivery is critical to ensure communities can adapt the approach to meet local needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiana Felmingham
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia.
| | - Siobhan O'Halloran
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Jaimie Poorter
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Ebony Rhook
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
- Barwon South West Public Health Unit, Geelong, Australia
| | - Cindy Needham
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Joshua Hayward
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Penny Fraser
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | | | | | - Steven Allender
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
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Li B, Alharbi M, Allender S, Swinburn B, Peters R, Foster C. Comprehensive application of a systems approach to obesity prevention: a scoping review of empirical evidence. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1015492. [PMID: 37614454 PMCID: PMC10442543 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1015492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A systems approach to obesity prevention is increasingly urged. However, confusion exists on what a systems approach entails in practice, and the empirical evidence on this new approach is unclear. This scoping review aimed to identify and synthesise studies/programmes that have comprehensively applied a systems approach to obesity prevention in intervention development, delivery/implementation, and evaluation. By searching international databases and grey literature, only three studies (10 publications) met inclusion criteria, which might be explained partially by suboptimal reporting. No conclusion on the effectiveness of this approach can be drawn yet due to the limited evidence base. We identified common features shared by the included studies, such as measuring ongoing changes, in addition to endpoint outcomes, and supporting capacity building. Some facilitators and barriers to applying a comprehensive systems approach in practice were identified. More well-designed and reported studies are needed, especially from low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai Li
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammed Alharbi
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Steve Allender
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Boyd Swinburn
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Remco Peters
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Charlie Foster
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Allender S, Munira SL, Bourke S, Lancsar E. Participatory systems science for enhancing health and wellbeing in the Indian Ocean territories. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1013869. [PMID: 37397744 PMCID: PMC10310353 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1013869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Co-creation of diabetes and obesity prevention with remote communities allows local contextual factors to be included in the design, delivery, and evaluation of disease prevention efforts. The Indian Ocean Territories (IOT) comprise the Christmas (CI) and Cocos Keeling Islands (CKI) and are remote Australian external territories located northwest of the mainland. We present results of a co-design process conducted with residents of IOT using realist inquiry and system mapping. Methods Interviews with 33 community members (17 CI, 14 CKI, 2 off Islands) on causes and outcomes of diabetes (2020/21) comprising community representatives, health services staff, dietitians, school principals and government administrators. Interviews were used to create causal loop diagrams representing the causes of diabetes in the IOT. These diagrams were used in a participatory process to identify existing actions to address diabetes, identify areas where more effort would be valuable in preventing diabetes, and to described and prioritize actions based on feasibility and likely impact. Findings Interviews identified 31 separate variables categorized into four themes (structural, food, knowledge, physical activity). Using causa loop diagrams, community members developed 32 intervention ideas that included strengthening healthy behaviors like physical activity, improving access to healthy and culturally appropriate foods, and overcoming the significant cost and availability limitations imposed by remoteness and freight costs. Interventions included relatively unique Island issues (e.g., freight costs, limited delivery timing), barriers to healthy food (e.g., limited fresh food availability), physical activity (e.g., transient workforce) and knowledge (e.g., multiple cultural backgrounds and language barriers, intergenerational knowledge).
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Allender
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Syarifah Liza Munira
- Department of Health Services, Research and Policy, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Siobhan Bourke
- Department of Health Services, Research and Policy, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Emily Lancsar
- Department of Health Services, Research and Policy, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Felmingham T, Backholer K, Hoban E, Brown AD, Nagorcka-Smith P, Allender S. Success of community-based system dynamics in prevention interventions: A systematic review of the literature. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1103834. [PMID: 37033017 PMCID: PMC10080052 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1103834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Systems thinking approaches are increasingly being used to help communities understand and develop responses to preventing complex health problems. Less is known about how success is characterized and what influences success in these approaches. We present a systematic review of how concepts of success are understood and evaluated in the peer reviewed literature of studies using systems thinking in community prevention. We searched five databases for peer-reviewed literature published between 2000 and 2022, with search terms related to systems thinking, prevention and community. Studies were included if they; reported using community-based systems thinking to prevent a public health problem; described the engagement and empowerment of community members to address a public health issue; and, were published in English. Thirty-four articles were identified from 10 countries. Twenty-one aimed to prevent a chronic disease (e.g., obesity) and 16 measured success using specific tools, 10 of which used semi-structured interviews or surveys. Measures of success included implementation processes, cultural appropriateness, the number or type of actions implemented, effectiveness of community action, and changes in individual thinking or mental models, population health outcomes, data collected, or systems level measures. Implementation factors influencing success included the capacity to engage participants, composition and experience of facilitators, strength of coordination teams, allocation of resources, adaptation to participant feedback, use of multiple systems approaches, workshop process providing time and methods to allow new insights, flexible delivery, and diversity of perspectives. Findings from each of the articles indicated that approaches increased a range of outcomes including community action, strategic thinking, future planning and evaluation, community buy-in, community voice, contribution and leadership, in addition to developing shared visions and goals and creating new, ongoing collaborations, among many others. Measures of success varied, suggesting more empirical reporting of proposed outcomes of system science in communities would be valuable. While the measurement of success in the use of systems thinking in community-based prevention efforts is limited, there are helpful examples we can look to for future measurement of success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiana Felmingham
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Tiana Felmingham,
| | - Kathryn Backholer
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Hoban
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew D. Brown
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Phoebe Nagorcka-Smith
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Steven Allender
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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Systems Mapping of the New Zealand Free and Healthy School Lunch Programme: Perspectives from Lunch Providers. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204336. [DOI: 10.3390/nu14204336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As part of the COVID-19 economic recovery package, the Aotearoa New Zealand Government rolled out a universal free and healthy lunch programme to the 25% least advantaged schools nationwide. This study explored experiences of school lunch providers in the Hawke’s Bay region. The aim was to create a systems map identifying points of intervention through which the lunch programme could be improved to meet the goal of reducing child food insecurity. Twelve lunch providers were interviewed to generate casual loop diagrams which were examined and integrated to form a single systems map. Seven themes arose during analysis: teacher support, principal support, nutrition guidelines and government support, supply chain, ingredient suppliers, student feedback and food waste. Teacher support was important for getting students to try new foods and eat the nutritious lunches. Principal support was a strong theme impacting opportunities for broader student engagement. This study employed systems science to highlight the importance of support from different stakeholders within the lunch programme to achieve the goal of reduced child food insecurity. Further work is needed to ensure the programme meets the wider goals of the government and community, and to determine the potential broader benefits of the programme.
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Jayasinghe S, Soward R, Dalton L, Holloway TP, Murray S, Patterson KAE, Ahuja KDK, Hughes R, Byrne NM, Hills AP. Domains of Capacity Building in Whole-Systems Approaches to Prevent Obesity-A "Systematized" Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10997. [PMID: 36078714 PMCID: PMC9517932 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite increased awareness of its risks, for the most part, contemporary efforts for obesity prevention have been patchy at best. As such, the burgeoning interest in whole-systems approaches (WSAs) that acknowledge the complex, dynamic nature of overweight and obesity and operate across multiple levels of society is particularly timely. Many components of "community capacity building" (CB), an essential but often neglected aspect of obesity prevention, overlap with "best practice principles" in effective/optimal community-based obesity-prevention initiatives. Rhetoric urging WSAs and community CB in public health abounds although operative and efficacious contemporary examples of these approaches to reducing obesity levels are scarce. The aim of this investigation was to undertake a systematized review of the level of capacity building incorporated in published literature on WSAs targeting obesity to better understand how domains of CB have been incorporated. A PubMed search and a recently published systematic review were utilized to identify WSAs to obesity prevention between 1995-2020. A team-based approach to qualitative thematic data analysis was used to systematically assess and describe each intervention regarding explicit capacity-building practice. Despite not being specifically designed for building capacity, a significant proportion of the WSAs studied in the current report had implemented several CB domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisitha Jayasinghe
- College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Robert Soward
- College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Lisa Dalton
- College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Timothy P. Holloway
- College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Sandra Murray
- College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Kira A. E. Patterson
- College of Arts, Law and Education, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Kiran D. K. Ahuja
- College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Roger Hughes
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Nuala M. Byrne
- College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Andrew P. Hills
- College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
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Whelan J, Hayward J, Nichols M, Brown AD, Orellana L, Brown V, Becker D, Bell C, Swinburn B, Peeters A, Moodie M, Geddes SA, Chadwick C, Allender S, Strugnell C. Reflexive Evidence and Systems interventions to Prevention Obesity and Non-communicable Disease (RESPOND): protocol and baseline outcomes for a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised prevention trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057187. [PMID: 36581987 PMCID: PMC9438198 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systems science methodologies have been used in attempts to address the complex and dynamic causes of childhood obesity with varied results. This paper presents a protocol for the Reflexive Evidence and Systems interventions to Prevention Obesity and Non-communicable Disease (RESPOND) trial. RESPOND represents a significant advance on previous approaches by identifying and operationalising a clear systems methodology and building skills and knowledge in the design and implementation of this approach among community stakeholders. METHODS AND ANALYSIS RESPOND is a 4-year cluster-randomised stepped-wedge trial in 10 local government areas in Victoria, Australia. The intervention comprises four stages: catalyse and set up, monitoring, community engagement and implementation. The trial will be evaluated for individuals, community settings and context, cost-effectiveness, and systems and implementation processes. Individual-level data including weight status, diet and activity behaviours will be collected every 2 years from school children in grades 2, 4 and 6 using an opt-out consent process. Community-level data will include knowledge and engagement, collaboration networks, economic costs and shifts in mental models aligned with systems training. Baseline prevalence data were collected between March and June 2019 among >3700 children from 91 primary schools. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval: Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC 2018-381) or Deakin University's Faculty of Health Ethics Advisory Committee (HEAG-H_2019-1; HEAG-H 37_2019; HEAG-H 173_2018; HEAG-H 12_2019); Victorian Government Department of Education and Training (2019_003943); Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne (Catholic Education Melbourne, 2019-0872) and Diocese of Sandhurst (24 May 2019). The results of RESPOND, including primary and secondary outcomes, and emerging studies developed throughout the intervention, will be published in the academic literature, presented at national and international conferences, community newsletters, newspapers, infographics and relevant social media. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12618001986268p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Whelan
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joshua Hayward
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melanie Nichols
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew D Brown
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liliana Orellana
- Biostatistics Unit, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Victoria Brown
- Deakin Health Economics, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Denise Becker
- Biostatistics Unit, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Colin Bell
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Boyd Swinburn
- School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anna Peeters
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marj Moodie
- Deakin Health Economics, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sandy A Geddes
- Department of Health and Human Services, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Craig Chadwick
- Goulburn Valley Primary Care Partnership, Shepparton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven Allender
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claudia Strugnell
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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Nagorcka-Smith P, Bolton KA, Dam J, Nichols M, Alston L, Johnstone M, Allender S. The impact of coalition characteristics on outcomes in community-based initiatives targeting the social determinants of health: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1358. [PMID: 35841018 PMCID: PMC9288063 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13678-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coalitions are a popular mechanism for delivering community-based health promotion. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize research that has quantitatively analyzed the association between coalition characteristics and outcomes in community-based initiatives targeting the social determinants of health. Coalition characteristics described elements of their structure or functioning, and outcomes referred to both proximal and distal community changes. Methods Authors searched six electronic databases to identify peer reviewed, published studies that analyzed the relationship between coalition characteristics and outcomes in community-based initiatives between 1980 and 2021. Studies were included if they were published in English and quantitatively analyzed the link between coalition characteristics and outcomes. Included studies were assessed for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute analytical cross-sectional studies assessment tool. Results The search returned 10,030 unique records. After screening, 26 studies were included from six countries. Initiatives targeted drug use, health equity, nutrition, physical activity, child and youth development, crime, domestic violence, and neighbourhood improvement. Community outcomes measured included perceived effectiveness (n=10), policy, systems or environment change (n=9), and community readiness or capacity (n=7). Analyses included regression or correlation analysis (n=16) and structural equation or pathway modelling (n=10). Studies varied in quality, with a lack of data collection tool validation presenting the most prominent limitation to study quality. Statistically significant associations were noted between community outcomes and wide range of coalition characteristics, including community context, resourcing, coalition structure, member characteristics, engagement, satisfaction, group facilitation, communication, group dynamics, relationships, community partnership, and health promotion planning and implementation. Conclusion Existing literature demonstrates that coalition characteristics, including best practice health promotion planning and evaluation, influence community outcomes. The field of coalition research would benefit from more consistent description and measurement of coalition characteristics and outcomes, and efforts to evaluate coalitions in a wider range of countries around the world. Further research using empirical community outcome indicators, and methods that consider the interrelationship of variables, is warranted. Trial registration A protocol for this review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020205988). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13678-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Nagorcka-Smith
- Deakin University, Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia.
| | - Kristy A Bolton
- Deakin University, Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia.,Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Jennifer Dam
- Monash University, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, 8 Scenic Boulevard, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Melanie Nichols
- Deakin University, Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Laura Alston
- Deakin University, Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia.,Deakin University, Deakin Rural Health, Faculty of Health, Princes Hwy, Warrnambool, VIC, 3280, Australia.,Research Unit, Colac Area Health, 2-28 Connor St, Colac, Victoria, 3250, Australia
| | - Michael Johnstone
- Deakin University, Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Steven Allender
- Deakin University, Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
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13
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Bolton KA, Fraser P, Lowe J, Moodie M, Bell C, Strugnell C, Hayward J, McGlashan J, Millar L, Whelan J, Brown A, Allender S. Generating change through collective impact and systems science for childhood obesity prevention: The GenR8 Change case study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266654. [PMID: 35544522 PMCID: PMC9094504 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-based interventions have shown promise in reducing childhood overweight and obesity. However, they have been critiqued for using linear logic models. Participatory community-based systems approaches are posited as addressing the complexity of non-linear relationships in a local context. Community members are empowered to understand and describe obesity causation, identify and prioritise possible solutions. The application of such approaches to childhood obesity is in its infancy. AIM To describe the first 12 months of a participatory whole-of-community systems approach to creating collective action to tackle childhood obesity, called GenR8 Change, in a local government area of Victoria, Australia. METHODS Three group model building (GMB) sessions focused on the development of a causal loop diagram (CLD), prioritised evidence-informed actions, and developed implementation strategies. The collective impact framework underpinned the approach, with a local backbone group supporting community members to implement prioritised actions. RESULTS The first two GMB sessions included 20 key community leaders where a CLD examining the factors contributing to childhood obesity in the community was constructed and refined (22 variables GMB1, 53 variables GMB2). In the third session, 171 members of the wider community further refined the CLD, identified priorities for childhood obesity prevention (72 variables in final CLD). One-hundred and thirteen individuals signed up across 13 working groups to plan and implement 53 prioritised actions. Agreed community actions included creating sugar free zones; developing healthy policies; increasing breastfeeding rates; improving drinking water access; and increasing physical activity options. Twelve months post-GMB3, 115 actions had been implemented. CONCLUSION GenR8 Change is one of the first communities to apply systems thinking to childhood obesity prevention. Knowledge on how to collectively identify relevant leverage points to tackle childhood obesity can now be shared with other communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy A. Bolton
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Penny Fraser
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Janette Lowe
- Southern Grampians Glenelg Primary Care Partnership, Hamilton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marj Moodie
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Colin Bell
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claudia Strugnell
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Josh Hayward
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jaimie McGlashan
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lynne Millar
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jillian Whelan
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Brown
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven Allender
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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14
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A Theory of Change for Community-Based Systems Interventions to Prevent Obesity. Am J Prev Med 2022; 62:786-794. [PMID: 34865936 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Applying systems science in public health trials is a recent innovation in childhood obesity prevention. This paper aims to use systems science conventions to propose a theory of change for community-based interventions aiming to build capacity and use exemplars from systems science for obesity prevention to describe how this approach works. METHODS Participants were community-based researchers. A dynamic hypothesis was created in workshops conducted in 2020 and 2021 by identifying variables critical to building community capacity for systems thinking. These were used to develop stock and flow diagrams representing individual causal relationships, feedback loops, and the overall theory of change. RESULTS The resultant model identified 9 stocks and 4 pairs of central balancing and reinforcing feedback loops. These represented building commitment through relationships, mutual learning, strengthening collaboration, and embedding capacity. The model is described using examples from 3 trials involving 25 communities across Victoria, Australia. CONCLUSIONS This nonlinear and practice-based model illustrates the process of community-based obesity prevention. The model integrates >20 years of community-based intervention implementation experience, providing an overarching theory of how such interventions work to create change and prevent obesity.
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Hall J, Bingham DD, Seims A, Dogra SA, Burkhardt J, Nobles J, McKenna J, Bryant M, Barber SE, Daly-Smith A. A whole system approach to increasing children's physical activity in a multi-ethnic UK city: a process evaluation protocol. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2296. [PMID: 34922508 PMCID: PMC8684063 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12255-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Engaging in regular physical activity requires continued complex decision-making in varied and dynamic individual, social and structural contexts. Widespread shortfalls of physical activity interventions suggests the complex underlying mechanisms of change are not yet fully understood. More insightful process evaluations are needed to design and implement more effective approaches. This paper describes the protocol for a process evaluation of the JU:MP programme, a whole systems approach to increasing physical activity in children and young people aged 5-14 years in North Bradford, UK. METHODS This process evaluation, underpinned by realist philosophy, aims to understand the development and implementation of the JU:MP programme and the mechanisms by which JU:MP influences physical activity in children and young people. It also aims to explore behaviour change across wider policy, strategy and neighbourhood systems. A mixed method data collection approach will include semi-structured interview, observation, documentary analysis, surveys, and participatory evaluation methods including reflections and ripple effect mapping. DISCUSSION This protocol offers an innovative approach on the use of process evaluation feeding into an iterative programme intended to generate evidence-based practice and deliver practice-based evidence. This paper advances knowledge regarding the development of process evaluations for evaluating systems interventions, and emphasises the importance of process evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Hall
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Duckworth Lane, Bradford, BD9 6RJ, UK. .,Faculties of Life Sciences and Health Studies, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK.
| | - Daniel D Bingham
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Duckworth Lane, Bradford, BD9 6RJ, UK.,Faculties of Life Sciences and Health Studies, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Amanda Seims
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Duckworth Lane, Bradford, BD9 6RJ, UK.,Faculties of Life Sciences and Health Studies, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Sufyan Abid Dogra
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Duckworth Lane, Bradford, BD9 6RJ, UK.,Faculties of Life Sciences and Health Studies, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Jan Burkhardt
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Duckworth Lane, Bradford, BD9 6RJ, UK
| | - James Nobles
- The National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West) at University Hospitals Bristol National Health Service Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jim McKenna
- School of Sport, Carnegie, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, LS6 3QT, UK
| | - Maria Bryant
- Department of Health Sciences, Seebohm Rowntree Building, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK.,The Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Sally E Barber
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Duckworth Lane, Bradford, BD9 6RJ, UK.,Faculties of Life Sciences and Health Studies, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Andy Daly-Smith
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Duckworth Lane, Bradford, BD9 6RJ, UK.,Faculties of Life Sciences and Health Studies, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK.,Centre for Applied Education Research, Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK
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16
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Ekambareshwar M, Taki S, Mihrshahi S, Baur L, Wen LM, Rissel C. Trial collaborators' perceptions of the process of delivering Healthy Beginnings advice via telephone calls or text messages. Health Promot J Austr 2021; 33:810-828. [PMID: 34856023 PMCID: PMC9545512 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED One in four Australian children aged between the ages of two and four are affected by overweight. In New South Wales, the Communicating Healthy Beginnings Advice by Telephone (CHAT) trial delivered an intervention to pregnant women and women with infants via telephone calls and text messages. The focus of the intervention was on infant feeding and establishing healthy habits for infants by building the capacity of mothers. This study investigates trial collaborators' perspectives concerning the implementation of this intervention, to obtain insights that will support future translation and scale-up. METHODS This research was undertaken during the intervention phase of the trial. Twenty trial collaborators involved in the planning, implementation or delivery of the CHAT trial were invited to participate. Qualitative interviews were conducted with collaborators using open-ended questions based on Steckler and Linnan's process evaluation framework and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Inductive thematic analysis was employed to identify themes from the interview data. RESULTS Fourteen trial collaborators were interviewed. Collaborators included child and family health nurses (intervention providers), nurse managers with extensive child and family health nursing experience, a paediatrician, dietitians, health promotion experts, health service managers, health and nursing executives, program personnel (project coordinator, research fellow and evaluation officer) and university researchers. Following coding of qualitative data, themes were realised from the data as a result of active co-production on the part of the researcher. Five themes were identified: (a) context (organisational support, engagement and partnerships, communication and project leadership); (b) program receipt, benefit and reach; (c) program delivery (intervention providers' experience and skills, mode of intervention delivery, referral to other services, support and training for intervention providers); (d) implementation (program delivered as planned); (e) opportunities for scale-up. Collaborators perceived that the program was implemented and delivered as planned. This specific research addresses the success of the process of implementing and delivering interventions for infant feeding and establishing healthy habits for children by building the capacity of mothers. Collaborators attributed successful program implementation to contextual factors: strong support by the host organisation; good project leadership; clear communication; collaborative internal and external partnerships; intervention provision by experienced nurses. Remote delivery was convenient to program participants and participants were able to resolve other personal concerns in addition to direct immediate benefits. Because of their capacity to influence policy decisions, the absence of policymakers at project meetings was a shortcoming. Collaborative partnerships with health and research partners, understanding of contextual issues and consumer involvement could lead to program expansion. The program has the potential to be scaled up through integration with existing services and gradual expansion into other health districts prior to state-wide rollout. CONCLUSIONS The CHAT trial delivered the Healthy Beginnings intervention which resulted in improvements in infant feeding, active play and sedentary behaviours. This evaluation demonstrated that the involvement of key stakeholders from early planning stages through to implementation of the program and the partnerships that evolved contributed to the successful implementation of the program. An unintended benefit to participants from this program was the social support that was provided. Intervention delivery via telephone and text messages enabled easy access to the program. Most importantly, the program has the potential to be scaled up through integration into existing services and gradual expansion prior to state-wide rollout. SO WHAT?: Strong internal and external partnerships, effective communication systems and integration with existing services create the context for potential translation and scaling up of the program to other health promotion settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahalakshmi Ekambareshwar
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Taki
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Health Promotion Unit, Population Health Research and Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Seema Mihrshahi
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Health Systems and Populations, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louise Baur
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Li Ming Wen
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Health Promotion Unit, Population Health Research and Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chris Rissel
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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Browne J, Walker T, Brown A, Sherriff S, Christidis R, Egan M, Versace V, Allender S, Backholer K. Systems thinking for Aboriginal Health: Understanding the value and acceptability of group model building approaches. SSM Popul Health 2021; 15:100874. [PMID: 34355056 PMCID: PMC8325093 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Systems thinking is increasingly applied to understand and address systemic drivers of complex health problems. In Australia, group model building, a participatory method from systems science, has been applied in various locations to engage communities in systems-based health promotion projects. To date there is limited evidence regarding GMB use with Australian Aboriginal communities. This study aimed to determine the value and acceptability of group model building (GMB) as a methodological approach in research with Aboriginal communities and identify any adaptations required to optimise its utility. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 18 Aboriginal health and university staff who had prior experience with a GMB research project. Interview transcripts were inductively analysed using thematic analysis and key themes were organised using an Indigenous research framework. Participants reported that GMB methods generally aligned well with Aboriginal ways of knowing, being, and doing. Participants valued the holistic, visual and collaborative nature of the method and its emphasis on sharing stories and collective decision-making. Group model building was viewed as a useful tool for identifying Aboriginal-led actions to address priority issues and advancing self-determination. Our findings suggest that by bringing together Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal knowledge, GMB is a promising tool, which Aboriginal communities could utilise to explore and address complex problems in a manner that is consistent with their worldviews. In adapting group model building methods, non-Aboriginal researchers should aspire to move beyond co-design processes and enable Aboriginal health research to be entirely led by Aboriginal people. Group model building is a promising method for research with Aboriginal communities that is generally consistent with Aboriginal worldviews. Group Model Building may be a useful tool for identifying actions to address priority issues and advancing Aboriginal self-determination. Capacity building is required so that Group Model Building workshops, and ideally entire research projects, can be led by Aboriginal people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Browne
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Locked Bag, 20000, Geelong Victoria, Australia
| | - Troy Walker
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Locked Bag, 20000, Geelong Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Brown
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Locked Bag, 20000, Geelong Victoria, Australia
| | - Simone Sherriff
- Sax Institute, Level 3/30C Wentworth St, Glebe, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebecca Christidis
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Locked Bag, 20000, Geelong Victoria, Australia
| | - Mikaela Egan
- Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, 17-23, Sackville St Collingwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vincent Versace
- Deakin Rural Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, PO Box 423, Warrnambool Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven Allender
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Locked Bag, 20000, Geelong Victoria, Australia
| | - Kathryn Backholer
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Locked Bag, 20000, Geelong Victoria, Australia
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