Stephanie B. Jilcott

Applying the RE-AIM framework to assess the public health impact of policy change

Background and Purpose: Planning and evaluation models have been developed to assess the public health impact of health promotion interventions. However, few have been applied to health policies. There is an important need for models to help design and evaluate health policies.Methods: This article applies the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) planning and evaluation framework to health policies. We provide definitions and application examples for different policies.Results: As demonstrated by a case study, the RE-AIM dimensions and definitions can also apply to policies. Considerations regarding compliance and enforcement are presented to clarify the complex implementation dimension.Conclusions: The RE-AIM framework can be useful in estimating public health impact, comparing different health policies, planning policies designed for increased likelihood of success, and identifying areas for integration of policies with other health promotion strategies.

Development, adaptation, and implementation of a cardiovascular health program for Alaska native women.

Southcentral Foundations Traditions of the Heart program is an innovative cardiovascular disease prevention program for women designed to build on the strengths of the Alaska Native culture as a way to support and encourage positive lifestyle behaviors that focus on healthy eating, active living, stress management, and tobacco cessation. After conducting assessments of existing intervention programs and formative data collection, we adapted two existing programs, Native Nutrition Circles and A New Leaf... Choices for Healthy Living, to develop the Traditions of the Heart program. We implemented and evaluated a pilot intervention study to determine the programs acceptance among Alaska Native women. We used the evaluation results to further refine our study protocol. This article describes the adaptation of these programs to the cultural needs and strengths of Alaska Native women and the results of the formative evaluation used to improve the program design. The complete pilot study outcomes will be published separately.