A realist evaluation of Path for All's Workplace Step Count Challenge
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Edinburgh
Department Name: Moray House School of Education
Abstract
The overall aim of this PhD is to work with the Paths for All Partnership to undertake a realist evaluation of the Step Count Challenge (SCC) in order to understand for whom, under what conditions, how and why the programme is effective in changing physical activity behaviour.
In line with realist evaluation, the proposed project will address 3 objectives. Firstly, in order to develop a programme theory (Context-Mechanisms-Outcome) of how the SCC may lead to increased physical activity, there will be a realist review of existing literature on work-based interventions similar to SCC, and interviews with key stakeholders. Secondly, in order to test the programme theory there will be a longitudinal qualitative study with SCC participants to gain a nuanced understanding of their experience. Thirdly, the programme theory will be revised based on the findings of the longitudinal study and stakeholder input. It is anticipated that the project will result in at least 3 high quality academic outputs, and the project team will work with Paths for All to produce useful outputs that have clear pathways to impact on both policy and practice."
In line with realist evaluation, the proposed project will address 3 objectives. Firstly, in order to develop a programme theory (Context-Mechanisms-Outcome) of how the SCC may lead to increased physical activity, there will be a realist review of existing literature on work-based interventions similar to SCC, and interviews with key stakeholders. Secondly, in order to test the programme theory there will be a longitudinal qualitative study with SCC participants to gain a nuanced understanding of their experience. Thirdly, the programme theory will be revised based on the findings of the longitudinal study and stakeholder input. It is anticipated that the project will result in at least 3 high quality academic outputs, and the project team will work with Paths for All to produce useful outputs that have clear pathways to impact on both policy and practice."
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES/P000681/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2027 | |||
| 1935153 | Studentship | ES/P000681/1 | 01/10/2017 | 28/02/2021 | Mary Allison |
| Description | So far ... discovered that workplace walking challenges (i) are complex (ii) exist in people's minds long before the programme goes live (iii) can, in the right context, deliver significant health behaviour change, for some people (iv) include people of all levels of inactivity/activity who are competitive. (v) can benefit physical, mental and social health as well as personal productivity. So far ... developed research approach (using realist research) that can help understand and explain the complexity of offering and participating in workplace walking challenges. Developed a range of 'micro-improvements' to the method (these will be further elaborated in a forthcoming paper). |
| Exploitation Route | Those designing public health programmes for workplaces generally and physical activity programmes specifically will be able to use the findings to improve the design and delivery of their programmes. Some of the data will help occupational health staff to make the case for physical activity programmes in the workplace |
| Sectors | Communities and Social Services/Policy,Education,Environment,Financial Services, and Management Consultancy,Healthcare,Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism,Government, Democracy and Justice,Other |
| Description | Paths for All (a national charity) are using the evidence to help re-design their programme and in particular the re-design of the on line platform that supports the programme. Staff in organisations who are responsible for (i) active/sustainable travel plans and (ii) occupational health/health and safety are using data to make the case for ongoing and additional investment in walking programmes |
| First Year Of Impact | 2019 |
| Sector | Environment,Healthcare,Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism,Government, Democracy and Justice,Transport,Other |
| Impact Types | Societal,Policy & public services |
| Description | Collaboration with Paths for All |
| Organisation | Paths For All |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Thorough review of their programme Catalogue of their archive Content for podcast, blogs and other media outlets |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provided data from their archives Facilitated and negotiated access to their participating partners Provided small branded gifts for research participants Promoted and disseminated research through their media channels |
| Impact | Paths for All Podcast Series: Voices of The Walk https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/voices-of-the-walk/id1459263895 Blog: Calm Your Mind and Boost Your Focus with a Walk https://stepcount.org.uk/2019/04/clear-your-mind-and-boost-your-focus-with-a-short-walk/ Blog: Team Work - Friendly Fun or Fearsome Fighters https://stepcount.org.uk/2019/04/team-work-friendly-fun-or-fearsome-fighters/ Blog: Walking to Wellness at Work https://medium.com/@morayhouseblog/walking-to-wellness-at-work-d01f376426f7 |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | podcasts and blogs etc |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A series of podcasts and blogs to raise awareness among businesses of the value of walking for staff health, well-being and personal productivity. Paths for All Podcast Series: Voices of The Walk https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/voices-of-the-walk/id1459263895 Blog: Calm Your Mind and Boost Your Focus with a Walk https://stepcount.org.uk/2019/04/clear-your-mind-and-boost-your-focus-with-a-short-walk/ Blog: Team Work - Friendly Fun or Fearsome Fighters https://stepcount.org.uk/2019/04/team-work-friendly-fun-or-fearsome-fighters/ Blog: Walking to Wellness at Work https://medium.com/@morayhouseblog/walking-to-wellness-at-work-d01f376426f7 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/voices-of-the-walk/id1459263895 |