Impact evaluation of a five-day Short Course in Health Promotion: workforce development in action.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: This paper reports on impact evaluation of a series of five-day Short Courses in Health Promotion that have been delivered to more than 2,000 people since 2002 as part of a state-wide workforce development strategy. METHODS: A triangulated mixed methods research design was selected for the evaluation. Data were collected through a mail survey, key informant interviews, focus groups and organisational case studies. Stakeholder and participant involvement were central to the evaluation. RESULTS: Organisational change emerged as a key theme. Impacts of the short course were felt in relation to health promotion practice and on organisational capacity to conduct health promotion, while the development of confidence and skills of participants to engage in collaborative opportunities was a not-unexpected, but important, benefit of the course. CONCLUSIONS: A short course is effective if attention is given to quality delivery, adult learning methods, participant involvement, appropriate targeting, good planning, and adequate funding. However, respondents commonly report the need for organisational change in order for health promotion practice to be embedded into organisations and for practitioners to be supported in their efforts to re-orient services towards health promotion.

Report of the mid-term review of Victoria's Maternity Services Program.

Substantial State Government funding has been committed in Victoria for the enhancement of maternity services. The funding is intended to improve the quality of care for women and meet consumer expectations for choice and continuity of care in maternity services. This paper reports on a mid-term review (the 'Review') of the Victorian Maternity Services Program, which was conducted by the authors on behalf of the Victorian Department of Human Services. Documentary analysis was conducted for the review, and workshops and key informant interviews were held throughout Victoria with midwives, medical staff and Department of Human Services staff. The Review found that there had been many gains as a result of the Maternity Services Program and identified directions for further development. Issues of change and facilitators of change processes in maternity services are highlighted in this article.