Strengthening evaluation to capture the breadth of public health practice: ideal vs. real

In a context of a limited, albeit growing evidence base for public health initiatives, the need for evaluation of public health practice remains crucial. However, the most rigorous evidence available to inform public health policy and interventions, in particular from systematic reviews, is often dominated by relatively large, tightly controlled intervention trials conducted by universities and other research organizations. Such research evidence tends to raise questions regarding the applicability and transferability of research to 'real world' practice. Adapted from the source document.