Evaluation

Evaluation of process and outcomes is a critical component of all IHRP efforts. In addition to measuring performance and outcome of its research programs, IHRP provides formative evaluation expertise to a variety of partners, including state and local health agencies, community organizations and nonprofit organizations.

IHRP measures the performance of health programs and policies to help its partners improve their services while advancing knowledge about implementing, measuring and maintaining successful health improvement efforts. Systematic evaluation of programs and policies is critical to improving program performance, measuring progress toward public health goals and ensuring the optimal use of resources.

Evaluation becomes invaluable as outcomes rather than processes become the benchmarks for measuring success, and as the demand for resources increase, and the need and demand for effective programs and services rise. Organizations and agencies that use evaluation in their planning and review of programs stand a greater chance of improving the health outcomes of their clients and can document their success to their funding agencies and collaborators.

In addition to conducting their own research, IHRP evaluation experts provide an array of technical services, including:

1. Assessment of community capacity to achieve specific health goals
2. Evaluation and planning of state and local health programs
3. Evaluation to improve planning and performance
4. Referral to available and appropriate evidence-based public health resources.

IHRP evaluation experts use a variety of research-based methods in their evaluations. They provide formative and summative evaluation support to assist in all aspects of program development, implementation and assessment. They develop survey instruments, facilitate focus groups, interview key informants, develop strategic plans and use other techniques called for by a particular program or clients’ needs.