[Learning-based monitoring and evaluation within municipal health approaches: insights based on eleven projects].

Abstract

Numerous Dutch municipalities implement health promotion approaches focusing on themes such as smoking, exercising and healthy weight. Learning-based Monitoring and Evaluation (LME) is a crucial component that is often implemented as part of these approaches, to a larger or lesser degree. This article describes how eleven projects within the program Gemeenten Samen Gezond ('Municipalities Healthy Together') implement LME, and what perceived core elements of LME are: involving a diverse group of stakeholders, a process of cyclical action and adjustment, collecting information and monitoring, sustainability and continuation of LME and the program, and transferability to other settings. We recommend that stakeholders apply LME in a way that matches with their local context, purpose and research/practice question at hand.