Dataset Information

Reaching consensus on definitions for food and physical activity policies: experience from the Policy Evaluation Network.

ABSTRACT:

Background

An upsurge in policy evaluation research within public health sciences has led to multi-disciplinary research networks like the 'Policy Evaluation Network' (PEN). This multi-disciplinary collaboration highlighted the need for consensus on clear, common terminology and definitions to facilitate the multi-disciplinary research. This article outlines the development process of the PEN definitions glossary tool, with a focus on the key domains of policy design, implementation and outcomes as they apply to physical activity, sedentary behaviour and dietary behaviours.

Methods

A project specific participatory process was undertaken, involving PEN researchers (n = 48) from seven European countries across various disciplinary backgrounds. All involved researchers were invited to identify and collate definitions that were commonly used in their research field. Terms and definitions were discussed and debated during three online workshops. Subsequently, the definitions were discussed and refined until consensus was reached.

Results

Consensus definitions for 93 terms related to the evaluation of policy design, implementation and outcomes are provided. Consensus was reached on a range of terms where the terms were understood and used differently across represented disciplines (e.g. 'Outcome' and 'Impact'). A conceptual 'Inter-relations in policy-related concepts' diagram was developed to enable navigation through an online database with key terms.

Conclusions

The definitions resulting from this participatory process has supported PEN researchers and practitioners across disciplines to reach a shared understanding of different terms related to policy evaluation. Thus, providing a platform for avoiding conflicting use of the same terms in differing contexts over the course of the PEN work programme, facilitating clear and consistent communication, and allowing for clarity within collaborative multi-disciplinary projects and in public-facing messages.

SUBMITTER: Kelly L

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9706120 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Reaching consensus on definitions for food and physical activity policies: experience from the Policy Evaluation Network.

Kelly Liam L Twohig Cliona C Woods Catherine B CB Luszczynska Aleksandra A Murrin Celine C Lien Nanna N Meshkovska Biljana B Kamphuis Carlijn B M CBM Poelman Maartje P MP Terragani Laura L Forberger Sarah S Hebestreit Antje A Ahrens Wolfgang W Harrington Janas M JM

European journal of public health 20221101 Suppl 4

<h4>Background</h4>An upsurge in policy evaluation research within public health sciences has led to multi-disciplinary research networks like the 'Policy Evaluation Network' (PEN). This multi-disciplinary collaboration highlighted the need for consensus on clear, common terminology and definitions to facilitate the multi-disciplinary research. This article outlines the development process of the PEN definitions glossary tool, with a focus on the key domains of policy design, implementation and ...[more]

PMID: 36444104

Similar Datasets

Project description:BackgroundBenchmarking the implementation of healthy food environment public policies against international best practices may accelerate the government response to prevent obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the countries. The aim of the study was to determine the extent of food environment policy implementation in Guatemala and to identify and prioritize actions for the government to accelerate their implementation.MethodsThe INFORMAS Healthy Food Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI from the International Network for Food and Obesity/NCDs Research, Monitoring and Action Support) was used. Evidence of implementation for 50 good practice indicators within the seven food policies and six infrastructure support domains was compiled, and subsequently validated by Guatemalan government officials. A national civil society expert panel on public health and nutrition performed an online assessment of the implementation of healthy food environment policies against best international practices. The level of agreement among evaluators was measured using the Gwet second order agreement coefficient (AC2). The expert panel recommended actions for each indicator during on-site workshops and those actions were prioritized by importance and achievability.ResultsThe expert panel rated implementation at zero for 26% of the indicators, very low for 28% of indicators, low for 42%, and medium for 4% of indicators (none were rated high). Indicators at medium implementation were related to the use of evidence for developing policies and ingredient list/nutrition information panels on packaged foods. Seventy-seven actions were recommended prioritizing the top 10 for immediate action. The Gwet AC2 was 0.73 (95% CI 0.67-0.80), indicating a good concordance among experts.ConclusionsIn the Food-EPI of Guatemala, almost all indicators of good practice had a low or less level of implementation. The expert panel proposed 12 priority actions to accelerate policy implementation to tackle obesity and NCDs in the country.

Dataset Information

Reaching consensus on definitions for food and physical activity policies: experience from the Policy Evaluation Network.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Reaching consensus on definitions for food and physical activity policies: experience from the Policy Evaluation Network.

Similar Datasets

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