Using retrospective process analysis to identify lessons learned from a community health initiative

Abstract

Abstract As the WHO-Health-in-all-Policies-concept suggests many of the health-related aspects of the social, physical and economic environments can be modified within the community setting. In reality, developing and implementing population-based health initiatives is often challenging for both communities and researchers. To guide future efforts of community health initiatives, we systematically analyzed challenges we encountered and the lessons learned. We systematically reviewed daily logbooks, meeting minutes and press releases about the initiative to identify successes, unexpected challenges and barriers in its implementation. Comments from two reflective workshops held in the partner community identified additional areas of knowledge. Retrospective content analysis of these sources uncovered emerging process-related themes. Success was evident in a high degree of citizen participation in initiative-related forums. Challenges included a greater need to a) develop a common vision before starting initiative activities, b) establish an effective collaboration between community residents and our team, c) create more transparent lines of communication, foster trust and better manage community expectations. Establishing a project office in the community for regular updates, trust building and partnering with a professional communication agency were key steps that helped turn some challenges into successes. Barriers identified were missing resources both within the community and our team, a limited time period and limited possibilities of reach into all systems within the community (e.g. kindergartens). The use of the method of retrospective process analysis helped to uncover detailed insights into the operational implementation process of a community health initiative. These insights serve as a transfer of practical knowledge, which intends to enable researchers and practioneers within communities to plan and conduct their community health initiatives to large success. Key messages Analyzing the process of health initiatives retrospectively uncovers detailed insights into implementation processes and helps to understand successes, challenges and barriers of the initiative. Insights into the implementation process of health initiatives function as guidance to other researchers and practioneers to support future efforts in the field of community health.