A System for Program Evaluation in Community Health

Abstract

There are many benefits to be gained from the systematic evaluation of health promotion programs in community health centres. Program evaluation and documentation encourages organisational learning as well as directly improving the quality of programs. The documentation of program evaluations also enables review of the range of programs provided, which can inform the overall organisational planning process. Busy, over-stretched community health staff, however, often see program evaluation as an unnecessary luxury. Organisational evaluation requirements are often perceived as adding to the paperwork burden without having direct benefits for clients, staff or the organisation. North Yarra Community Health has developed a systematic process for evaluating all health promotion programs undertaken by staff. The process consists of evaluation guidelines and forms, which are part of a health promotion resource kit, a process for reporting and accountability through a Programs and Services Committee with representatives from the Board of Management, and a system for filing of program documentation. This paper describes the process, some of the barriers encountered, and how these barriers were overcome.