The challenge of evaluating programs in a large health sciences centre

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences
• Program Evaluation
• Medical Education

Background:

• Healthcare professionals require fundamental program evaluation skills.
• Effective program evaluation is crucial for improving healthcare services.
• Existing evaluation practices may lack standardized methodologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the utility of logic models in program evaluation.
• To present a practical training course for healthcare staff and physicians on program evaluation.
• To enhance the capacity of healthcare professionals to evaluate their own initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a logic model as a foundational tool for identifying key program components and measurables.
• Developed and delivered a concise training course covering logic models, evaluation design, measurement selection, and data analysis.
• Applied these methods within a large health sciences centre setting.

Main Results:

• The logic model proved effective in simplifying the identification of critical measurable outcomes.
• The training course successfully equipped staff and physicians with practical program evaluation skills.
• Participants gained the ability to independently evaluate their programs.

Conclusions:

• Logic models are valuable tools for program evaluation in healthcare.
• Short, focused training courses are a practical solution for building evaluation capacity among healthcare professionals.
• Empowering staff and physicians to conduct their own program evaluations leads to improved outcomes and evidence-based practice.