Promoting heath in 2012: embracing alternative evaluation designs, working practices and service delivery modes

Abstract

An Olympic year brings suspense, the utmost of human endeavour, glory and jubilation, but also tears and disappointment for athletes, spectators and politicians alike (Cashman 2006). This year heralds the return of the Olympic flame to U.K. shores, but with it some profound and deeply testing concerns. Escalating costs of health care, housing and food, in addition to progressive economic decline and attendant austerity measures are challenging the health and quality of life of many communities. Thus, the joy and jubilation of the Olympics and Paralympic Games provides a useful although temporary distraction from the day-today concerns of rising unemployment, dwindling access and accessibility to health and public services for governments, policy makers, public health professionals and researchers. However, just as mega-events bring a range of economic and social issues sharply into focus (Müller 2012), there is a need for the continued scrutiny of health status in our communities, especially in socioeconomically deprived and disadvantaged groups. This should be undertaken in combination with the review and evaluation of services for health improvements to ensure that the effects of the current recession are managed and wherever possible restricted. Yet, even the cause for evidenced-based practice in public health is being challenged. Policy makers, researchers and public health professionals have not escaped the clutches of austerity in an era which has witnessed severe cuts to funding for research and public services. As a consequence, there is a pressing need to reconsider alternative ways of working to

Women, wellbeing and the city: A model of participatory health research exploring physical activity in Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities

“…Ultimately, the participatory health research process provided an innovative and cost-effective way of researching a public health issue (Crone and Baker, 2012), without compromising research objectives and while valuing social capital and partnership working. The project infrastructure created opportunities for individual learning via increased participation in research as a result of capacity-building, and the potential for women from BAME backgrounds to engage in PA from developed projects.…”