In your response posts, find two peers who have chosen different evaluation methods and comment on their posts. Do you believe that their recommended methods are useful to support resource allocation? Why or why not?
Post # 1
Deborah Valentine
Process evaluation examines the extent to which a program or component part of it is operating as intended by assessing ongoing operations and whether the target population is being served. This involves collecting data that describes the operation in detail, including the types and levels of services provided, location of service delivery, staffing, socio-demographic characteristics of participants, community it serves, and linking collaborating agencies (Longest, 2015). This evaluation is key to the program I am developing through Vanderbilt University Medical Center that is located in TN, my home state, to help those who are obese to change their lifestyle, eating habits, along with psychology through the MyHealth app that is exclusive to VUMC patients. This will be a most interactive app with 24/7 support through instant messaging, tracking exercise, logging meals, along with moods of the patients, while not violating HIPAA compliances.
Formative evaluation focuses on collecting data on operations so that needed changes or modifications can be made to the program or component in its early stages (Longest, 2015). This type of evaluation is key during the development of the program with experimental patients to know what is working and not, which is the feedback needed to make these changes.
The article, “Measuring Success” confirms the 2 types of evaluations chosen to justify allocation of healthcare resources by “identifying essential elements needed to assess intervention influences, if correct measures were used to gage effectiveness” (Smith and Ory, 2014). “Determining the impact of our efforts has vast implications for the future of interventions” (Smith and Ory, 2014).
Longest, B.B. (2015) Health Program Management: From Development Through Evaluation. 2nd ed. Ch. 9. pgs 316-17. Text
Smith, M.L.; Ory, M.G. (2014) Measuring Success: Evaluation Article Types for the Public Health Education and Promotion Section of Frontiers in Public Health. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
Post # 2
Valerie Boyd
Public Health will be adding to their chronic disease program with a self-monitoring blood pressure program. This program will need to be evaluated and the two program evaluation methods will be used.
Outcome evaluation will be used to evaluate participates success with reducing blood pressure both systolic and diastolic. The program is 4 month long and participates are encouraged to check blood pressure weekly and receive education and support.
Formative evaluation will be used to gain insight from all stakeholders to improve on the program. A survey can be provided to receive feedback to see if we need to add components or take away because they were not useful. For example, survey participants after four months to see if education they received was helpful and if they would like to be provided with anything else.
Using these two program evaluations will help justify resource by if the program is improving blood pressure do, we purchase more blood pressure machines, need more staff to send out education and provide support. Formative would work the same way with knowing what components could be added or deleted which could be a reduction of staff or education tools.
I am more likely to recommend outcome evaluation to justify healthcare resources.
Longest, B.B. (2015) Health Program Management: From Development Through Evaluation. 2nd ed. Ch. 9.
