Translating the PLAYgrounds program into practice: A process evaluation using the RE-AIM framework

Objectives: To present the results of the process evaluation of the PLAYgrounds program, using the RE-AIMframework.Design: This study provides information regarding Reach, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance.Methods: The PLAYgrounds program promotes increasing levels of physical activity in 6–12 years old chil-dren and was evaluated using the RE-AIM framework in 4 intervention schools. Data collection consistedof a physical activity questionnaire with children (n = 765, Reach), SOPLAY observations (Implementationand Maintenance), questionnaires on the satisfaction of the implemented elements with teachers (n = 59)and children (n = 730, Implementation) and interviews for increased depth of information. In addition asimple counting of participating schools, describing of non-participating reasons and characteristics ofthe schools were documented (Adoption).Results: Reach of the target population (i.e. inactive children) was 60.7% (n = 464) and the target populationwas representative for populations in low-SES neighbourhoods. The PLAYgrounds program was adoptedby 4 schools (80%), at which 5 (from 7) program elements were successfully implemented. At 18 monthsfollow-up, 3 of those 5 elements were completely maintained.Conclusions: Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance proved to be very high. Most likely due tothe PLAYgrounds program being a complete intervention package that included financial, material, andstaff support. Therefore, it is recommended to retain this high level of support when introducing thePLAYgrounds (or any other intervention) program in schools. In the future it would be recommended toevaluate the PLAYgrounds program on maintenance in schools where the key-person is employed at theschool and funding is not available.