Adapting logic models over time: the Washington State Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program experience

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Program Planning & Evaluation
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Logic models visually represent program activities and their intended outcomes.
• They are crucial tools for program planning and evaluation.
• Effective program evaluation relies on a strong foundation, often provided by logic models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the application of logic models in planning program evaluations.
• To describe the adoption and evolution of logic modeling within the Washington State Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program (WaHDSPP).
• To outline how logic models guide the development of evaluation questions and indicators.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive case study of the WaHDSPP's adoption of logic modeling.
• Analysis of changes in logic model use since program inception.
• Examination of how logic models informed the WaHDSPP's evaluation plan, including question and indicator development.

Main Results:

• Logic models were successfully adopted by the WaHDSPP for program evaluation planning.
• The use of logic models evolved over time, influencing process and outcomes.
• Logic models facilitated the identification of key evaluation questions and the development of effective progress-tracking indicators.

Conclusions:

• Logic models are valuable tools for structuring program evaluation.
• State programs can effectively use logic models to enhance their evaluation efforts.
• The WaHDSPP case illustrates a successful integration of logic modeling into public health program evaluation.