Building evaluation capacity in local programs for multisite nutrition education interventions.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Program Evaluation
• Community Health

Background:

• The Network for a Healthy California aimed to bolster program evaluation capacity among its local partners.
• Capacity building efforts were crucial for ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of public health programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a structured capacity-building program on the evaluation practices of local health partners.
• To determine if specific evaluation frameworks and tools influenced the rigor and outcomes of program evaluations.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of Empowerment Evaluation and Utility-Focused evaluation frameworks.
• Provision of standardized tools: Scope of Work template, handbook, survey compendium, plan/report templates, data templates.
• Delivery of technical assistance through teleconferences, workshops, and ongoing support.

Main Results:

• Increased number of programs completing program evaluations over time.
• Adoption of more rigorous evaluation designs by participating local partners.
• Higher reporting rates of statistically significant evaluation results.

Conclusions:

• A guided approach to capacity building, emphasizing collaboration over funding, effectively enhanced program evaluation skills.
• The provided tools and frameworks facilitated the successful implementation and reporting of program evaluations.
• Sustained engagement and support fostered a culture of continuous program evaluation among local health partners.