Module 5: Evaluation of Community Health Worker Programs
Evaluation is an important tool to determine how and why a program is succeeding. It can also help diagnose challenges or determine where changes can be made to strengthen the program. Many community health worker (CHW) programs are collecting some qualitative and/or quantitative data that can be used for evaluation purposes.
Even with limited data, it may be possible to evaluate the following:
- Opportunities for quality improvement
- Effectiveness of processes and activities
- Achievement of program objectives
- Potential for program sustainability
- Effects of the CHW program on outcomes such as healthcare access and quality
For a detailed overview of program evaluation, see Evaluating Rural Programs in the Rural Community Health Toolkit.