Impact evaluation

Definition

Impact evaluation is a systematic method used to assess the changes that can be attributed to a specific intervention, program, or policy. It focuses on understanding the extent to which desired outcomes have been achieved and the causal relationships that lead to those outcomes. This evaluation is essential for making informed decisions about resource allocation and for improving future programs based on what works and what doesn't.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Impact evaluation can utilize various methodologies, including experimental designs, quasi-experimental approaches, and non-experimental methods.
2. It helps stakeholders understand not only whether a program works but also how and why it works, which is crucial for scaling effective interventions.
3. The results from impact evaluations are used to inform policymakers about the effectiveness of health programs and guide future funding decisions.
4. Successful impact evaluations require clear objectives and appropriate data collection methods to accurately measure changes over time.
5. Stakeholder involvement is critical in impact evaluation to ensure that the findings are relevant, credible, and actionable for those affected by the interventions.

Review Questions

• How does impact evaluation differ from formative and summative evaluations in assessing public health programs?
  • Impact evaluation differs from formative and summative evaluations primarily in its focus. While formative evaluation seeks to improve a program during its development and summative evaluation assesses overall effectiveness at the end, impact evaluation specifically aims to measure the causal effects of an intervention on targeted outcomes. It examines whether changes in health indicators can be directly attributed to the program and evaluates the pathways through which these effects occur.
• Discuss the role of logic models in designing impact evaluations for public health programs.
  • Logic models play a significant role in designing impact evaluations by providing a clear framework that connects resources, activities, outputs, and expected outcomes. By visualizing these components, evaluators can identify key assumptions and relationships that need to be tested during the evaluation process. This clarity helps ensure that evaluations are focused on measuring meaningful changes and can guide data collection strategies to assess the program's impact effectively.
• Evaluate the importance of stakeholder involvement in impact evaluations and how it affects the relevance of findings.
  • Stakeholder involvement in impact evaluations is crucial because it ensures that the findings are aligned with the needs and priorities of those affected by the programs. Engaging stakeholders—such as community members, health practitioners, and policymakers—can enhance the credibility of the evaluation process by fostering trust and collaboration. Furthermore, their insights can help shape relevant questions, identify appropriate indicators, and facilitate the application of findings in decision-making processes, ultimately leading to more effective public health interventions.

Related terms

Formative Evaluation: A type of evaluation conducted during the development or implementation of a program to improve its design and performance.

Summative Evaluation: An assessment that occurs at the end of a program to determine its overall effectiveness and impact.

Logic Model: A visual representation that links the resources, activities, outputs, and outcomes of a program, helping to clarify how an intervention is expected to achieve its goals.