Multi-sectoral health promotion and public health: the role of evidence.
BACKGROUND
Evidence-informed health promotion and public health is an emerging and ever-changing theme in research and practice. A collaborative approach to gathering and applying evidence is crucial to implementing effective multi-sectoral health promotion and public health interventions for improved population outcomes. This paper presents an argument for the development of multi-sector evidence and discusses both facilitators and challenges to this process.


METHODS
Sector-specific contacts familiar with decision-making processes were selected from referrals gained through academic, government and non-government networks and interviewed (in-person or via telephone) as part of a small scale study to scope the use of evidence within non-health sectors where decisions are likely to impact on public health.


RESULTS
The views gathered are preliminary, and this analysis would benefit from more extensive consultation. Nonetheless, information gathered from the interviews and literature search provide valuable insights into evidence-related decision-making paradigms which demonstrate similarities with, and differences from, those found in the health sector.


CONCLUSIONS
Decisions in health promotion and public may benefit from consideration of the ways in which disciplines and sectors can work together to inform policy and practice.
Armstrong
Rebecca
R
Cochrane Health Promotion and Public Health Field, VicHealth, 15-31 Pelham St, PO Box 154, Carlton South VIC 3053, Melbourne, Australia. rarmstrong@vichealth.vic.gov.au
Doyle
Jodie
J
Lamb
Chris
C
Waters
Elizabeth
E
D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003657:Decision Making; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009313:National Health Programs; D011634:Public Health; D014739:Victoria