Development of a framework to guide research into policies promoting physical activity and healthy diets in the European context: the system-based Policy Evaluation Network (PEN) framework

Abstract

Background The Policy Evaluation Network (PEN) is a multidisciplinary Pan-European research consortium focussing on policies affecting dietary intake, physical activity and sedentary behaviour. At the start, the PEN consortium expressed the need for an overarching, system-based framework covering the complexities between the different domains of the policy process (design, implementation and outcomes) in order to execute all research activities in a coherent way. This article describes the PEN framework itself and its development process. Methods A staged approach to the development of a system-based framework was executed between February 2019 and February 2022. We started with a point-of-departure framework, made use of existing models, collected PEN outputs at different project stages (through online meetings, e-mail exchanges and workshops with PEN researchers) and drew updated versions of the framework, which resulted in the system-based PEN framework. Results The system-based PEN framework depicts the policy process as a complex system, visualizing the dynamic interrelations between and within policy domains (i.e. policy design, policy implementation and policy outcomes), the ways they interact with the context, and how to assure a focus on equity in each domain. Conclusions The system-based PEN framework may guide researchers and professionals involved in the evaluation of health- or sustainability-related policies to consider their evaluation in a comprehensive picture, including domain interactions, contextual influences and equity considerations, as these can have important implications for the scope of their research. The stage-based process as applied for the development of the PEN framework can serve as a template for other research projects wishing to develop their own framework.

Reaching consensus on definitions for food and physical activity policies: experience from the Policy Evaluation Network

“…It recognizes the steps from identifying the problem relating to current policies towards design, implementation and outcomes. However, to achieve the aims of PEN and to carry out all research activities in the seven WPs in a coherent and consistent way, Kamphius et al 26 developed an overarching theory-based framework, which visualizes the interplay between policy domains (i.e. policy development, policy implementation and policy outcomes), acknowledging the complex and dynamic inter-relations between policy domains, the influence of contextual factors and the importance of equity considerations in all policy domains.…”

“…The glossary of definitions and terms was developed initially for use within the PEN project and PEN researchers were encouraged to consult the glossary as their work progressed and manuscripts were being written. For example, the working group which developed the PEN theoretical framework, Kamphuis et al 26 cross referenced the terms used in the development of the framework against those in the Glossary to ensure consistency. As new projects emerged, collaborations between four large European Funded consortia (PEN, STOP, Co-Create and Best ReMap) were established, given they all focus on policy development, implementation and evaluation for healthier lifestyles to address some of the major public health challenges of the 21st century.…”

A critical analysis of walking policy in Ireland and its contribution to both national and international development goals

“…Oftentimes, this involves asking stakeholders to "take a step back" and can offer stakeholders insight into the wider goals and systems that they influence/are influenced by. Physical activity (PA) policy researchers have begun to develop conceptual frameworks to assist with this notion of "zooming out" in order to understand the interconnections across policy sectors, disciplines and organisations involved in all stages of PA policy (4). At a global level, in 2015, the United Nations published the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which provides all member states of the United Nations a "shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet" (5).…”

Dietary behaviour and physical activity policies in Europe: learnings from the Policy Evaluation Network (PEN)

“…policy development, policy implementation and policy outcomes, the influence of contextual factors, and the importance of an equity dimension in designing and implementing such policies. 4 The present paper provides a brief overview of the learnings of PEN and the evidence it obtained in regard to European policies related to diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour.…”