A systematic literature review on tools for community health promotion

Abstract Background Tools such as guidelines, instruments, or checklists can support the planning, implementation and evaluation of community health promotion activities and thereby ensure their quality and effectiveness. Internationally, tools in various forms and with different thematic foci have been developed, yet there is a lack of a systematic compilation of these tools. The objective of this study is, consequently, to systematically search for tools for community health promotion. Methods Embedded within the Joint Action PreventNCD, we conduct a systematic literature review by searching scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar), websites of international public health agencies, and by performing desk research. Eligible tools are published after 2000 in English or German language, developed or applied in western countries, should work on community level and focus on health promotion and disease prevention. The search is carried out in 10 steps, with each step focusing on one thematic aspect of a predefined community health promotion process (e.g., needs assessment, co-design, evaluation). Results The search for the first four steps (stakeholder engagement, needs assessment, prioritization, mapping health assets) has been completed, yielding a total of 294 tools (98, 44, and 152 from scientific databases, public health websites, and desk research, respectively). Conclusions Most tools were identified through desk research, scientific databases were less yielding. The quality and readiness of the identified tools varies greatly. In many cases, adaptation to individual circumstances is necessary before practical use. The next steps are to make the identified tool available in a repository in a structured way so that health promotion researchers and practitioners can quickly and easily find the right tool at every stage of their actions. This repository will provide - for the first time - a unique resource for all health promotion implementers. Key messages • This study provides, for the first time, a systematic collection of tools that can be used during all phases of a comprehensive community health promotion process. • The tools will be made available in a public repository so that health promotion practitioners and researchers can quickly and easily find suitable tools for their actions.