Creating a Standardized Approach to Program Evaluation in a Magnet Recognized Pediatric Hospital System.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Administration
• Program Evaluation
• Organizational Management

Background:

• Systematic program evaluation is crucial for organizational value.
• Standardized processes enhance efficiency and effectiveness in healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and pilot a standardized, goal-based evaluation template.
• To assess the template's acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility in a pediatric hospital system.

Main Methods:

• A goal-based framework was used to design a standardized evaluation template.
• The template was piloted in the ambulatory setting of a quaternary pediatric hospital system.
• Executive decision-makers evaluated the template's implementation criteria.

Main Results:

• The standardized evaluation template met executive-level criteria for acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility.
• Pilot application yielded valuable, cost-effective, unbiased formative and summative data.
• The data supported informed decision-making within the organization.

Conclusions:

• A standardized evaluation template can be successfully implemented in a complex healthcare setting.
• The goal-based framework provides a practical approach to program evaluation.
• This systematic process offers significant value for organizational improvement and decision-making.