Types of Evaluation in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Programs

Several types of evaluation designs and frameworks can be used to assess health promotion and disease prevention programs. Each design and framework uses different approaches for assessment, data collection, and measurement. The types of frameworks that have been used for rural health promotion and disease prevention program evaluations include:

Formative evaluation: Formative evaluation occurs during program development and implementation. It provides information on achieving program goals or improving the program.
Process evaluation: Process evaluation is a type of formative evaluation that assesses the type, quantity, and quality of program activities or services.
Outcome evaluation: Outcome evaluation can focus on short- and long-term program objectives. Appropriate measures demonstrate changes in health conditions, quality of life, and behaviors.
Impact evaluation: Impact evaluation assesses a program's effect on participants. Appropriate measures include changes in awareness, knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and/or skills.

Resources to Learn More

Evaluation Checklists
Website
Offers evaluation checklists organized by task area for evaluators to assist in identifying components of research, practitioner experience, theory and principles supporting their work. Task areas include engaging stakeholders, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting and reporting results.
Organization(s): Western Michigan University

Program Evaluation
Website
Provides resources on evaluation planning, data collection and analysis, and sharing results to continue and/or improve program.
Organization(s): Centers for Disease Control and Evaluation (CDC)