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Applying the RE-AIM framework to assess the public health impact of policy change

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Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Planning and evaluation models have been developed to assess the public health impact of health promotion interventions. However, few have been applied to health policies. There is an important need for models to help design and evaluate health policies.Methods: This article applies the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) planning and evaluation framework to health policies. We provide definitions and application examples for different policies.Results: As demonstrated by a case study, the RE-AIM dimensions and definitions can also apply to policies. Considerations regarding compliance and enforcement are presented to clarify the complex implementation dimension.Conclusions: The RE-AIM framework can be useful in estimating public health impact, comparing different health policies, planning policies designed for increased likelihood of success, and identifying areas for integration of policies with other health promotion strategies.

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Author notes

  1. Russell E. Glasgow Ph.D.

    Present address: Clinical Research Unit, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, 335 Road Runner Lane, 81240, Penrose, CO

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

    Stephanie Jilcott Ph.D., Alice Ammerman Dr.PH., R.D. & Janice Sommers M.P.H.

  2. Kaiser Permanent Colorado, Denver, Colorado

    Russell E. Glasgow Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Stephanie Jilcott Ph.D.
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  2. Alice Ammerman Dr.PH., R.D.
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  3. Janice Sommers M.P.H.
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  4. Russell E. Glasgow Ph.D.
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Additional information

Preparation of this article was supported in part by Grant #1 RO1 CA 90974-01 from the National Cancer Institute.

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Jilcott, S., Ammerman, A., Sommers, J. et al. Applying the RE-AIM framework to assess the public health impact of policy change. ann. behav. med. 34, 105–114 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02872666

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