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A process evaluation model for patient education programs for pregnant smokers.
R A Windsor1, H P Whiteside, L J Solomon
1Smoke-Free Families National Program Office, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0021, USA.
Tobacco Control
|September 13, 2000
Summary
A process evaluation model (PEM) helps assess patient education for pregnant smokers. Implementing new methods in diverse settings proved challenging, highlighting the need for pilot testing and program monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
- Program Evaluation
Background:
- Patient education programs are crucial for pregnant smokers.
- Implementing new interventions in diverse healthcare settings presents challenges.
- Effective program evaluation is essential for successful intervention delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and apply a Process Evaluation Model (PEM) for patient education programs targeting pregnant smokers.
- To assess the feasibility and challenges of implementing new patient education methods in maternity care settings.
Main Methods:
- Developed a five-step PEM: defining the patient sample, documenting exposure, calculating exposure rates, setting performance standards, and computing implementation indices.
- Applied the PEM to data from four Smoke-Free Families (SFF) studies across different settings.
- Calculated a Program Implementation Index (PII) to quantify overall program delivery.
Main Results:
- All four SFF projects faced moderate to significant implementation difficulties.
- Increased procedure complexity and number led to decreased implementation indices.
- Challenges were identified in patient recruitment, intervention delivery, and follow-up procedures.
Conclusions:
- Routine delivery of new methods in diverse maternity settings is difficult.
- Pilot testing all procedures is crucial before full implementation.
- The PEM is recommended for monitoring program progress and guiding revisions for improved delivery.