Instruments For Evaluating Promotion Policies to Improve Public Health : an Integrative Review

Introduction: Policy assessment has a very important role in efforts to improve public health to ensure effectiveness, fairness and sustainability. Efficient evaluation procedures enable policy makers and stakeholders to recognize advantages, address shortcomings, and adapt strategies to achieve desired health goals. This integrative review aims to compile a synthesis of the various approaches and tools available in evaluating public health policies, while highlighting their application and impact on health promotion practice. Objective : The objective of this study was to examine and evaluate a range of tools utilized for assessing public health promotion policies, emphasizing their strengths, weaknesses, and effectiveness in enhancing health outcomes. The research delves into the methodologies and metrics employed by these instruments, evaluating their role in shaping and improving policies targeting public health advancements. Through this analysis, the authors aim to offer recommendations for the selection and development of more efficient tools for evaluating health promotion strategies. Methods : This study is an integrative literature review that utilizes databases from the Online Scientific Electronic Library and the Virtual Health Library (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde), as well as gray literature, with sources available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, covering the period from 2010 to 2020, with descriptors consulted in MeSH and DeCS. Results : A total of 828 publications were identified, with 18 meeting the inclusion criteria. The evaluation processes revealed the use of diverse methodologies, including quantitative and multidimensional approaches. However, there remains a limited availability of tools for monitoring and evaluating health promotion initiatives. While significant advancements have been observed in assessing impacts and outcomes, particularly in primary health care, challenges and gaps persist. Thus, integrating structural and procedural elements into evaluation methodologies is essential.Conclusion : It is crucial to acknowledge the significance of cross-sectoral, participatory methodologies and the creation of evaluative models that integrate both quantitative and qualitative approaches, while also addressing the socio-political factors inherent in the diverse contexts where intra-sectoral and cross-sectoral health promotion policies are implemented. However, the complexity involved in evaluating health promotion policies prevents the establishment of standardized evaluation criteria, highlighting the need for further research to develop effective strategies for evaluating health promotion initiatives.