Performative evaluation and social return on investment: potential in innovative health promotion interventions

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.