Reaiming RE-AIM: using the model to plan, implement, and evaluate the effects of environmental change approaches to enhancing population health

Abstract

The RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) framework, which provides a practical means of evaluating health interventions, has primarily been used in studies focused on changing individual behaviors. Given the importance of the built environment in promoting health, using RE-AIM to evaluate environmental approaches is logical. We discussed the benefits and challenges of applying RE-AIM to evaluate built environment strategies and recommended modest adaptations to the model. We then applied the revised model to 2 prototypical built environment strategies aimed at promoting healthful eating and active living. We offered recommendations for using RE-AIM to plan and implement strategies that maximize reach and sustainability, and provided summary measures that public health professionals, communities, and researchers can use in evaluating built environment interventions.