1. Health Promot Int. 2009 Dec;24(4):353-62. doi: 10.1093/heapro/dap035. Epub 2009
Oct 13.
Building capacity in local government for integrated planning to increase
physical activity: evaluation of the VicHealth MetroACTIVE program.
Thomas MM(1), Hodge W, Smith BJ.
Author information:
(1)ARTD Consultants Ltd, Sydney, Australia.
Integrated planning is a holistic approach to addressing the needs of local
communities built on partnerships between those responsible for development,
environmental quality and service provision. This study investigated the extent
and key influences on the use of integrated planning to promote physical activity
among six metropolitan councils in Melbourne Australia, which took part in the
MetroACTIVE Project funded by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation from 2005
to 2007. The evaluation entailed interviews conducted at the mid-term (N = 67)
and completion (N = 50) of the project, and the review of relevant documents.
Respondents included elected councillors, chief executive officers, officers from
different council divisions and the project staff employed in each council. Three
councils showed evidence of integrated planning for physical activity, whereas
the remainder focused on the delivery of community participation programs.
Leadership from senior management and an organizational culture that supported
collaboration across council departments were prerequisites for integrated
planning. Employment of a dedicated project officer with skills for engaging
management and building partnerships within the organization was important.
Barriers to integrated planning were a complex organization structure, high
demands on the council due to a growing residential population and a poor climate
among staff. Overall, integrated planning was found to be a viable approach for
developing a coordinated approach to this issue involving the range of council
services and functions. Ongoing strategies are needed to facilitate senior
management commitment and organizational capacity for integrated planning, with
leadership provided by departments responsible for infrastructure or corporate
planning.
PMID: 19828475 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]