Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe an approach to evaluation of a project
involving complex health behaviours that incorporates collateral social outcomes.
Method: Evaluation challenges and responses for an innovative information and communication
technologies for development (ICT4D) initiative (HITnet) operating in remote Indigenous
Australia are presented.
Conclusions: Innovation in evaluation must match innovation in project design and
application. Two methodologies – performative research, and social return on investment – as
proposed for a HITnet, sexual health promotion project, are considered.
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Evaluation of the Pilot Introduction of Health Touchscreens into Remote and Urban
Indigenous Communities in Queensland. Cairns:
North Queensland Health Equalities Promotion Unit;
2002:
2.
Hunter E,Travers H,Pelham S,Gibson J,Hermawan G,Corey A.Pride and performance: evaluation of a multimedia and information
technologies project in remote Aboriginal Australia.Australasian
Psychiatry.
2009;17:S155-158
3.
Dossel D,Travers H,Hunter E.The use of touch screen technology for health-related information in
Indigenous communities: Some economic issues.Prometheus.
2007;25:373-392
4.
Hunter E,Travers H,Gibson J,Campion J.Bridging the triple divide: performance and innovative multimedia in
the service of behavioural health change in remote Indigenous
settings.Australasian Psychiatry.
2007;15:S44-S48
5.
Buluru Yealamucka: Healing Spirit. The HITnet Contribution to the NSPS Project:
Building Bridges to Implement Successful Life Promotion and Suicide Prevention Expertise
Across Aboriginal Communities. Cairns:
HITnet (University of Queensland, North Queensland Health Equalities Promotion
Unit); 2009:
6.
Haseman B.A manifesto for performative research.Media
International Australia.
2006;118:98-106
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Kickbusch IS.Health literacy: addressing the health and education
divide.Health Promotion International.
2001;16:289-297
