GoWell: The challenges of evaluating regeneration as a population health intervention

Bond, L., Egan, M., Kearns, A. and Tannahill, C. (2013) GoWell: The challenges of evaluating regeneration as a population health intervention. Preventive Medicine, 57(6), pp. 941-947. (doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2013.08.007)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2013.08.007

Abstract

Objective: Urban regeneration can be considered a population health intervention (PHI). It is expected to impact on population health but the evidence is limited or weak, in part due to the difficulties of evaluating PHIs. We explore these challenges using GoWell as a case study. Method: A 10-year evaluation of housing improvement and urban regeneration in 15 deprived areas in Glasgow, Scotland (2005–2015). Results: Challenges faced include: definition and changing nature of the intervention; identifying the recipients of the intervention; and constraints of study design affecting capacity to attribute effects. We have met these challenges by: adapting the evaluation to take account of changing intervention plans and delivery; making pragmatic choices about which populations to focus on for different parts of the study; and taking advantage of delayed delivery of some components to identify controls. Conclusion: Commitment to a long-term evaluation by the Scottish Government and other partners has enabled us to develop a package of studies to investigate health and other outcomes, and the processes of a PHI. GoWell will contribute to the evidence base for interventions focused on tackling the wider determinants of health and help policymakers to be more explicit and realistic about what regeneration might achieve.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Egan, Dr Matthew and Kearns, Professor Ade and Bond, Professor Lyndal and Tannahill, Dr Carol
Authors: Bond, L., Egan, M., Kearns, A., and Tannahill, C.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Urban Studies
Journal Name:Preventive Medicine
ISSN:0091-7435
ISSN (Online):1096-0260
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2013 The Authors
First Published:First published in Preventive Medicine 57(6):941-947
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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