Using a systems approach to evaluate the effectiveness of health service programs: the Health Care Facility...

This paper examines the value of developing a "systems" perspective of organisational/suborganisational characteristics as an aid to evaluating the effectiveness of programs within the health services context. An example of applying the theory to a specific health service program is given. The commonly used approach to evaluation--the goal attainment model--is examined in detail. It is contrasted with other approaches including systems theory. The conclusion is reached that the systems approach is more suitable as a means of structuring evaluation within the health care field.