Evaluation Measures for Community Health Programs

It is important to consider how the data and evidence collected will be used in program evaluation to measure changes. Different types of data are used to address process and outcome measures.

Process Evaluation Measures

Process evaluations assess how a program is developed and implemented and may investigate a program's structure and operations. Questions may include:

• How is the program being implemented?
• Under what conditions does the program work?
• Is the intended population participating at expected levels?
• Can the program be replicated?

Outcome Evaluation Measures

Outcome evaluations investigate whether changes occur in a particular program, and, if they do, the extent to which changes can be attributed to the program. Questions may include:

• What is the impact of the program?
• To what extent is the program meeting its intended goals and objectives?

Evaluation measures can be tailored to the type of changes that will be tracked:

• Affective change: Change in attitudes or feelings toward specific behavior.
• Behavior change: Adoption of new behaviors.
• Learning change: Acquisition of new knowledge and awareness.
• Environmental conditions: Increased access to healthier choices and lifestyles, such as smoke-free policies.
• Status change: Improved health outcomes or indicators.