Introduction
In health promotion and chronic disease prevention, both best and promising
practices can provide critical insights into what works for enhancing the healthrelated
outcomes of individuals and communities, and how/why these practices work
in different situations and contexts.
Methods
The promising practices criteria were developed using the Public Health
Agency of Canada’s (PHAC’s) existing best practices criteria as the foundation. They
were modified and pilot tested (three rounds) using published interventions. Theoretical
and methodological issues and challenges were resolved via consultation and in-depth
discussions with a working group.
Results
The team established a set of promising practices criteria, which differentiated
from the best practices criteria via six specific measures.
Conclusion
While a number of complex challenges emerged in the development of
these criteria, they were thoroughly discussed, debated and resolved. The Canadian
Best Practices Portal’s screening criteria allow one to screen for both best and promising
practices in the fields of public health, health promotion, chronic disease prevention,
and potentially beyond.