Table 4 Key Considerations for Developing a Health Fair
From: Process evaluation of health fairs promoting cancer screenings
Health Fair Element | Consideration |
|---|---|
Theoretical Framework | • Consider social or behavioral theory in the design for the health promotion content and delivery • Develop goals and expected outcomes for health education based on the theoretical framework |
Community Characteristics | • Consider the characteristics of the population(s) • Consider focusing on populations that are in need of screening and/or rarely or never screened • Assess cancer/screening knowledge and screening adherence • Describe unique barriers for screening/rescreening |
Setting | • Consider the location of the health fair • Consider the location with the need for data collection systems, education, or screening services (e.g., survey, medical records, onsite screening) • Assess location and potential reach for target audiences |
Promotion of the Event | • Consider channels most relevant to the intended audience • Recruit in advance over time and not at the last minute for greatest impact • Use multiple recruitment channels • Employ the assistance of partners or co-sponsors for recruitment (e.g., their constituents, media channels) |
Delivery of Services | • Consider what services should be offer at the health fair • Assess the extent to which services are evidence-based strategies to promote cancer screening (e.g., Community Guide such as group/individual education, reminders) • Partner with other organizations to offer services (e.g., education, screening) • Discuss who is the best deliver of education (e.g., provider, lay health worker, etc.) for increased relevance • Consider registration or check in process to enable outreach to participants after the event for reminders, referrals or follow-up |
Evaluation | • Determine what process measure should be monitored or assessed (e.g., reach-attendance, implementation, referrals, receipt of education/screening kits, satisfaction/reactions) • Determine what outcomes will be measured (e.g., knowledge, intentions, screening adherence) and follow-up for longer term evaluation • Assess data or tracking systems to be put in place for tracking and evaluation (e.g., surveys, risk appraisals, technology-based data collection) |