Module 5: Evaluation Considerations for Substance Use Disorder Programs

Evaluation is an important tool for demonstrating the effectiveness of substance use disorder prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery programs. Evaluations may have different goals, from increasing referrals to treatment to demonstrating improvements in health outcomes. Since resources for substance use disorder programs are often scarce in rural communities, evaluation is critical for demonstrating program effectiveness and return on investment.

For a detailed overview of program evaluation, see Evaluating Rural Programs in the Rural Community Health Toolkit.

This module will present specific guidance on evaluation considerations for substance use disorder programs.

In this module:

• Importance of Developing a Logic Model
• Involving Stakeholders in the Evaluation
• Evaluation Questions
• Evaluation Objectives
• Evaluation Measures
• Validated Data Collection Tools
• Barriers and Facilitators to Rural Program Evaluation