Lessons from a project to create performance measures for public health

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Program Evaluation
• Epidemiology

Background:

• National-level performance measures are being developed for local sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention and control programs.
• A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-funded project explored the feasibility of these measures.
• Local grantees reported on data collection and program development experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate complications in formulating and implementing performance measures using a specific example.
• To assess the operational feasibility and programmatic utility of national-level STD performance measures in local settings.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a case study approach within a CDC-funded project.
• Collected local data from grantees.
• Gathered grantee feedback on data elicitation and use for program development.

Main Results:

• Performance measures require extensive definition and clarification of terminologies for operational feasibility and programmatic usefulness.
• Key activities include developing a common language, mapping workflows, and clarifying spheres of influence.
• Performance measures may unintentionally capture extraneous program elements, necessitating cautious application.

Conclusions:

• Extensive definitional work is crucial for effective performance measure implementation in STD control programs.
• Clear communication and defined roles are essential for successful data utilization.
• Performance measures should be interpreted with caution due to potential inclusion of unintended program aspects.