Qualitative process evaluation of urban community work: a preliminary view

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community-Based Research
• Health Promotion

Background:

• Community-based and participatory research methods have gained prominence in public health over the last 15 years.
• There is a need for more evaluation schemes for field testing in community health initiatives.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-funded Urban Research Center required a flexible evaluation approach due to its evolving direction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a process evaluation model for community health projects.
• To provide an example of an evaluation scheme for field testing.
• To align the research approach with capacity-building and power-sharing principles.

Main Methods:

• An eclectic literature search was conducted to develop the process evaluation model.
• Participatory action research, utilizing predominantly qualitative methods, was employed.
• The model was applied within the context of the Seattle Partners for Healthy Communities initiative.

Main Results:

• The developed process evaluation model was found to be congruent with participatory action research principles.
• The Seattle Partners for Healthy Communities acted as a successful broker for expertise and community needs.
• The initiative demonstrated success in supporting and evaluating community health projects.

Conclusions:

• Community-based and participatory research approaches are effective for disease prevention and health promotion.
• The presented process evaluation model offers a viable framework for assessing community health projects.
• Successful community health initiatives require effective brokerage of resources and needs, alongside robust evaluation.