The WellingTONNE Challenge toolkit : using the RE-AIM framework to evaluate a community resource promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours

Objective: The RE-AIM framework has been recognized as a tool to evaluate the adoption, delivery, and sustainability of an intervention, and estimate its potential public health impact. In this study four dimensions of the RE-AIM framework (adoption, implementation, effectiveness, and maintenance) were used to evaluatethe WellingTONNE Challenge Toolkit, a step-by-step resource explaining how to develop, implement and disseminate a healthy lifestyle community intervention. Design: Process evaluation. Methods: In association with the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing (DHA), a self-report questionnaire was distributed to individuals from health care organizations, local councils and community organizations throughout Australia who had received and/or requested the WellingTONNE Challenge Toolkit from the DHA. Results: The RE-AIM dimensions revealed a high adoption rate and confirmed that the toolkit was being implemented for what it was intended to be implemented for and was an effective resource for initiating, maintaining and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Lastly, the evaluation highlighted that most participants would maintain use of the toolkit in future projects. Conclusion: The RE-AIM framework provided valuable information concerning the uptake, implementation and usability of the WellingTONNE Challenge Toolkit, however, future research should address the behavioural outcomes associated with using the toolkit in order to provide a clearer understanding of how research can be translated into public health practice.