Program/policy evaluation is a valuable tool that can help strengthen the quality of programs/policies and improve outcomes for the populations they serve. Program/policy evaluation answers basic questions about program/policy effectiveness. It involves collecting and analyzing information about program/policy activities, characteristics, and outcomes. This information can be used to ultimately improve program services or policy initiatives.
Nurses can play a very important role assessing program/policy evaluation for the same reasons that they can be so important to program/policy design. Nurses bring expertise and patient advocacy that can add significant insight and impact. In this Assignment, you will practice applying this expertise and insight by selecting an existing healthcare program or policy evaluation and reflecting on the criteria used to measure the effectiveness of the program/policy.
To Prepare:
Review the Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis Template provided in the Resources.
Select an existing healthcare program or policy evaluation or choose one of interest to you.
Review community, state, or federal policy evaluation and reflect on the criteria used to measure the effectiveness of the program or policy described.
The Assignment: (2–3 pages)
Based on the program or policy evaluation you selected, complete the Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis Template. Be sure to address the following:
Describe the healthcare program or policy outcomes.
How was the success of the program or policy measured?
How many people were reached by the program or policy selected?
How much of an impact was realized with the program or policy selected?
At what point in program implementation was the program or policy evaluation conducted?
What data was used to conduct the program or policy evaluation?
What specific information on unintended consequences was identified?
What stakeholders were identified in the evaluation of the program or policy? Who would benefit most from the results and reporting of the program or policy evaluation? Be specific and provide examples.
Did the program or policy meet the original intent and objectives? Why or why not?
Would you recommend implementing this program or policy in your place of work? Why or why not?
Identify at least two ways that you, as a nurse advocate, could become involved in evaluating a program or policy after
RESOURCES
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning. Chapter 7, “Health Policy and Social Program Evaluation” (pp. 116–124 only) Glasgow, R. E., Lichtenstein, E., & Marcus, A. C. (2003). Why don’t we see more translation of health promotion research to practice? Rethinking the efficacy-to-effectiveness transitionLinks to an external site.. American Journal of Public Health, 93(8), 1261–1267. Shiramizu, B., Shambaugh, V., Petrovich, H., Seto, T. B., Ho, T., Mokuau, N., & Hedges, J. R. (2016). Leading by success: Impact of a clinical and translational research infrastructure program to address health inequitiesLinks to an external site.. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, 4(5), 983–991. Williams, J. K., & Anderson, C. M. (2018). Omics research ethics considerationsLinks to an external site.. Nursing Outlook, 66(4), 386–393. Document: Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Template (Word document)year of implementation.
Program/Policy Evaluation in Healthcare: Assessing Effectiveness and Outcomes
Introduction
Program/policy evaluation is a crucial tool for enhancing the quality of healthcare programs/policies and achieving positive outcomes for the populations they serve. By answering fundamental questions regarding effectiveness, program/policy evaluation involves the collection and analysis of information concerning program/policy activities, characteristics, and outcomes. This information serves as a foundation for improving program services or policy initiatives. In this article, we will explore the significance of nurses in assessing program/policy evaluation and provide guidance on applying their expertise and insight. Additionally, we will outline the steps involved in evaluating a healthcare program or policy by utilizing the Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis Template.
The Role of Nurses in Program/Policy Evaluation
Nurses play a vital role in both program/policy design and evaluation due to their expertise and patient advocacy. With their in-depth knowledge and understanding of healthcare systems, nurses possess valuable insights that can significantly contribute to program/policy evaluation. Their ability to assess the impact of interventions on patient care outcomes and their understanding of the intricacies of healthcare delivery make them indispensable in evaluating the effectiveness of programs/policies.
Selecting a Healthcare Program or Policy for Evaluation
To begin the process of program/policy evaluation, it is essential to select a healthcare program or policy that has already been evaluated or one that is of personal interest. Community, state, or federal policy evaluations can provide valuable insights into the criteria used to measure effectiveness. By reviewing these evaluations, one can gain an understanding of the specific indicators and metrics employed to assess the success of the program or policy.
Completing the Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis Template
The Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis Template serves as a valuable resource for conducting a comprehensive evaluation. The template encompasses various aspects of the evaluation process and provides guidance on collecting and analyzing pertinent information. By completing this template, one can effectively assess the selected healthcare program or policy. The following key elements should be addressed:
Healthcare Program/Policy Outcomes: Describe the outcomes of the healthcare program or policy. Evaluate the impact it has had on improving health outcomes, access to care, patient satisfaction, or other relevant factors.
Measurement of Success: Explore how the success of the program or policy was measured. Identify the specific indicators and metrics used to determine its effectiveness.
Reach of the Program/Policy: Determine the number of individuals who were reached by the program or policy. Assess the extent to which the target population was engaged and benefited from the intervention.
Impact of the Program/Policy: Examine the overall impact of the program or policy. Consider the positive changes that have occurred as a result of the intervention and evaluate its contribution to the desired outcomes.
Timing of the Evaluation: Identify the point at which the program or policy evaluation was conducted. Assess whether the evaluation was performed during the early stages of implementation or after it had been fully established.
Data Utilized: Determine the data sources that were utilized in the program or policy evaluation. Consider whether the evaluation incorporated qualitative and/or quantitative data, and evaluate the reliability and validity of the data sources.
Unintended Consequences: Examine any unintended consequences that emerged as a result of the program or policy. Assess whether there were any unforeseen negative impacts on the target population or other stakeholders.
Stakeholders and Beneficiaries: Identify the key stakeholders involved in the evaluation of the program or policy. Consider the individuals or groups that stand to benefit the most from the results and reporting of the evaluation. Provide specific examples to illustrate the stakeholders’ significance.
Alignment with Objectives: Evaluate whether the program or policy met its original intent and objectives. Analyze the extent to which the desired outcomes were achieved, and identify any discrepancies between the initial goals and the evaluation findings.
Recommendation for Implementation: Based on the evaluation findings, make a recommendation regarding the implementation of the program or policy in your place of work. Justify your recommendation by considering the impact it would have on improving healthcare outcomes or addressing specific needs.
Involvement of Nurses as Advocates in Program/Policy Evaluation
As nurse advocates, there are multiple ways to become involved in evaluating programs or policies. Firstly, nurses can actively participate in the design and development of evaluation frameworks to ensure that they encompass the perspectives of frontline healthcare providers. Secondly, nurses can contribute their expertise by providing input during the data collection and analysis phases of the evaluation process. Their understanding of patient needs and experiences can offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of programs/policies. By actively engaging in program/policy evaluation, nurses can help drive evidence-based decision-making and facilitate continuous quality improvement.
Conclusion
Program/policy evaluation is a critical process for assessing the effectiveness and outcomes of healthcare interventions. Nurses, with their expertise and patient advocacy, are well-positioned to contribute to this evaluation process. By utilizing the Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis Template, nurses can systematically assess healthcare programs or policies, examine their outcomes, and make informed recommendations for their implementation. Engaging nurses as advocates in program/policy evaluation ensures that the evaluation process incorporates a comprehensive understanding of patient needs and contributes to the delivery of high-quality healthcare.
References
Glasgow, R. E., Lichtenstein, E., & Marcus, A. C. (2003). Why don’t we see more translation of health promotion research to practice? Rethinking the efficacy-to-effectiveness transition. American Journal of Public Health, 93(8), 1261–1267.
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Shiramizu, B., Shambaugh, V., Petrovich, H., Seto, T. B., Ho, T., Mokuau, N., & Hedges, J. R. (2016). Leading by success: Impact of a clinical and translational research infrastructure program to address health inequities. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, 4(5), 983–991.
Williams, J. K., & Anderson, C. M. (2018). Omics research ethics considerations. Nursing Outlook, 66(4), 386–393.
