Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Background: In October 1997 the Department of Health agreed to fund evaluations of 13 weight management projects and offer research training and support for the successful applicants. Aims: To help the projects develop focused and relevant research questions for their evaluations; to encourage the use of appropriate methods to answer these research questions; and to help the projects set realistic timetables and budgets. A 2-day seminar was held in Oxford and follow up support was available from the seminar tutors. Methods: A process evaluation was conducted. Semistructured telephone interviews with all seminar participants took place 2 weeks after the seminar and again after the completion of the evaluation reports. An independent assessor compared the original proposals with the final reports. Results: Eleven projects sent representatives to the seminar. All of the 11 projects that sent representatives to the seminar had subsequent contact with the tutors and submitted final reports in February 1988. The independent assessor concluded that for six projects there was improvement in the research questions and methods which were used and no change for the other five. Conclusions: Recommendations include amending the selection procedure for funding evaluations and specific suggestions to improve the organization and content of the research training seminar and follow-up support.

Original publication

DOI

10.1046/j.1365-277X.1999.00002.x

Type

Journal article

Journal

Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics

Publication Date

01/07/1999

Volume

12

Pages

9 - 19