• Review the Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis Template provided in the Resources.
• Select an existing healthcare program or policy evaluation or choose one of interest to you.
• Review community, state, or federal policy evaluation and reflect on the criteria used to measure the effectiveness of the program or policy described.
The Assignment: (2–3 pages)
Based on the program or policy evaluation you selected, complete the Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis Template. Be sure to address the following:
• Describe the healthcare program or policy outcomes.
• How was the success of the program or policy measured?
• How many people were reached by the program or policy selected?
• How much of an impact was realized with the program or policy selected?
• At what point in program implementation was the program or policy evaluation conducted?
• What data was used to conduct the program or policy evaluation?
• What specific information on unintended consequences was identified?
• What stakeholders were identified in the evaluation of the program or policy? Who would benefit most from the results and reporting of the program or policy evaluation? Be specific and provide examples.
• Did the program or policy meet the original intent and objectives? Why or why not?
• Would you recommend implementing this program or policy in your place of work? Why or why not?
• Identify at least two ways that you, as a nurse advocate, could become involved in evaluating a program or policy after 1 year of implementation.
Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis
Full Answer Section
Success Metrics: The success of the Healthy Start program has been measured by a variety of metrics, including:- Birth outcomes: The number of low-birthweight babies and the number of babies born preterm.
- Prenatal care: The percentage of women who received early and consistent prenatal care.
- Health behaviors: The percentage of women who stopped smoking and the percentage of women who gained a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy.
- Birth records: This data is used to track birth outcomes.
- Prenatal care records: This data is used to track the use of prenatal care.
- Health behavior surveys: This data is used to track health behaviors such as smoking and weight gain.
- Program staff: Program staff are responsible for implementing the program and collecting data.
- Researchers: Researchers are responsible for evaluating the program and reporting the results.
- Policymakers: Policymakers use the results of the evaluation to make decisions about the future of the program.
- Women: Women who participate in the program are the most important stakeholders. The results of the evaluation are important to them because they want to know if the program is helping them and their babies.
- To reduce the rate of low-birthweight babies.
- To increase the rate of early and consistent prenatal care.
- To improve the health behaviors of low-income women.
- Collect data on the program's impact.
- Provide feedback to program staff.
- Advocating for the program to policymakers.