A naturalistic inquiry on the impact of interventions aiming to improve health and the quality of life in the community.
The goal of this study is to identify and describe variables contributing to the efficiency of health promotion interventions, and to assess whether these variables can serve as reliable and early indicators of the success of such interventions. The study sample includes 44 interventions selected through a network of key informants from five cities--Liverpool, Sandwell, Vienna, Pula, and Rijeka--by using a chain technique. Data on each intervention are collected through an in-depth interview with a program leader, the collection of project-related documents, and on-site observation. Qualitative analysis of data performed with content analysis and computer-assisted free-text analysis reveals different characteristics of interventions depending on whether they are initiated by the city government sector, health-care system, or citizens sector (independent of the city or country). The assessment of the efficiency of these three groups of interventions also differs because of varying features, scope (activity potentials) and impact they are able to accomplish. We have identified ways in which the efficiency of all three groups of interventions can be improved. The efficiency of the interventions within the city sector can be increased through an improved process of delegation to other sectors, higher involvement of user groups, and higher receptivity and organizational flexibility. The efficiency of the interventions within the citizens sector can be improved through professional, organizational, and financial support. Support from the professional community is important for citizens sector interventions in confirming the importance of the problem they address and legitimizing the actions they propose and undertake.
Sogoric
Selma
S
School of Public Health, Medical School, University of Zagreb, Rockefellerova 4, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia. ssogoric@snz.hr
Middleton
John
J
Lang
Slobodan
S
Ivankovic
Davor
D
Kern
Josipa
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D018672:Community Health Planning / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D005380:Financing, Government / Q000458:organization & administration; D006284:Health Plan Implementation / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000191:economics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012922:Social Change