Policymakers ’ perspectives on designing school-based health initiatives for Victorian adolescents

This study therefore aimed to analyse the political considerations that underpinned policymakers ’ decisions for the design and implementation of a programme based on HPS in middle and high schools in Victoria, Australia. Interpretive policy analysis was undertaken using interviews with a purposive sample of government and non-government policy actors. Interviews explored factors influencing programme design and implementation and were analysed using thematic analysis. Ten in-depth interviews, including 11 participants, were conducted. The analysis revealed four themes. The Achievement Program was designed through (i) the establishment ofstrategic collaborations and good governance, involving people that made valuable and diverse contributions to the design process while acknowledging their (ii)positions of power, (iii) ensuring careful attention was paid toevidence-informed programme design and (iv) incorporation ofreal-time feedback from other settings. Policymakers believe this approach has the potential to improve policy adoption. There is a need to explore if this approach to policy development influences adherence and improves health outcomes.
Source: Health Promotion International - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research