Health Program and Evaluation

Health Program and Evaluation
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Health Program and Evaluation
Evaluation research refers to a systematic inquiry that is conducted to examine the effectiveness or importance of a program in solving issues within local communities (University of Kansas (UOK), 2018a; First Nation Development Institute (FNDI), n.d.). It serves to provide information to decision-makers, such as community-based organizations and other stakeholders, based on the questions raised about the program. Mainly, evaluation research is used to support program improvement. It is not a method of research; it is a purpose. Evaluation research is not conducted to provide general information about a particular issue but rather to provide specific knowledge applied to real-life issues that require action. As such, it can be considered a form of applied research. Evaluation experts should conduct evaluation research with the involvement of all stakeholders, including the community, the organization's staff, and potential program supporters, among others (UOK, 2018a). To conduct evaluation research, one might start by answering specific questions such as what program is going to be evaluated, what measure will be used to evaluate the program’s effectiveness/performance, the performance standards to be used to establish the success of the program, and the conclusions that can be made about the program based on collected evidence (UOK, 2018a). These questions guide the evaluation research process.
Evaluation research is essential for several reasons. During evaluation research, the communication between the involved stakeholders is improved (UOK, 2018). As revealed earlier, various stakeholders should be involved. Their involvement requires constant and effective communication. Two, the involvement of program stakeholders also ensures constant feedback, which can be used to improve the program (UOK, 2018). Three, it helps community-based organizations position the program to match the objectives (FNDI, n.d.). During evaluation research, it is assessed whether the program is meeting its objectives. This assessment can help create a better alignment of the program and the objectives. After evaluation research, evidence collected during the process is used in making decisions. If the evidence shows that the program is effective or necessary, this can positively impact program implementation. However, if the evidence shows that the program is ineffective, this can delay program implementation until more improvements can be made to increase its effectiveness. Also, it could mean that the program is not all that important, which implies no need for program implementation. Evaluation research answers the merit, significance, and worthiness of a program (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1999). A program that is deemed inferior, insignificant, and worthless should not be implemented.
While developing a new program for reducing the spread of infectious diseases through public health education, I would conduct a formative evaluation. This type of evaluation research involves assessing the feasibility of a program before implementation (CDC, n.d.). Specifically, it establishes whether the new program will serve the ne...