Evaluability of the Health Gym Program in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil

Abstract:

Implementation of the Health Gym Program is one of the key strategies in the Brazilian National Health Promotion Policy, but thus far no evaluability studies have been performed on this intervention in Recife, Pernambuco State, one of the first cities in the country to implement this intervention. This study aimed to measure the evaluability of the Health Gym Program in the city of Recife, based on the description of the intervention and the elaboration of its log frame model and theoretical models for evaluation, in addition to identifying evaluative questions. A qualitative approach was used, based on a seven-element system, by document research, interviews, and discussion with the program’s managers and staff, as well as the condensation of meanings technique for analysis of the documents and interviews. The analysis showed that the program has a wide range of objectives, principles, and guidelines, and that part of the management ignores such elements. After modeling the program, the study showed the methodological and operational feasibility for the development of an evaluative survey that was discussed and negotiated with managers and workers.

Keywords:
Health Evaluation; Health Policy; Primary Health Care; Health Services Evaluation