Defining sustainable practice in community-based health promotion: A Delphi study of practitioner perspectives
Neil Harris A C and Maria Sandor B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Population & Social Health Research Program, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Qld 4222, Australia.
B Public Health, School of Life Sciences, University of Skövde, 541 28 Skövde, Sweden.
C Corresponding author. Email: n.harris@griffith.edu.au
Health Promotion Journal of Australia 24(1) 53-60 https://doi.org/10.1071/HE12908
Submitted: 28 June 2012 Accepted: 27 October 2012 Published: 27 March 2013
Abstract
Issue addressed: Sustainability of practice must be a central imperative in the practice of community-based health promotion to achieve population health and attract a greater share of public health spending. Although there has been some consideration of sustainability at the project or program levels, often understood as intervention longevity, very limited attention has been given to understanding sustainable practice.
Methods: The present study develops a definition and features of sustainable practice in community-based health promotion through a Delphi method with health promotion practitioners in Queensland, Australia.
Results: The study presents a consensus definition and features of sustainable practice. The definition highlights the importance of collaboration, health determinants and aspirations, processes and outcomes. The four features of sustainable practice identified in the study are: (1) effective relationships and partnerships; (2) evidence-based decision making and practice; (3) emphasis on building community capacity; and (4) supportive context for practice.
Conclusions: The definition and features are, to a large extent, consistent with the limited literature around sustainability at the project and program levels of health promotion. Together, they provide insight into a form of community-based health promotion that will be both viable and productive.
So what?: This consensus understanding of sustainable practice articulates the foundations of working effectively with local communities in achieving improved population health within global limits.
Key words: sustainability, community-based intervention, health promotion theory.
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