Several states have implemented comprehensive, statewide tobacco control programs. These programs face challenges in developing systems to collect process data from local grantees/community health agencies. Without consistent and accurate reporting of local programs, states compromise their ability to link local level efforts to intermediate and behavioral outcomes. This presentation will discuss the Statewide Tobacco Endowment Process Evaluation Study (STEPES). The University’s primary aim in this study is to partner with the Minnesota state health department to create and implement a systematic statewide process evaluation of local tobacco control efforts. Based on a tested prototype, this custom-designed computerized database is specifically developed for practitioners with limited to no experience with computers. This system, by design, ensures continuous program improvement, high levels of accountability, and an efficient feedback mechanism for state health department and community-based staff. Our secondary aim is to conduct a methods study, answering the question of whether the process evaluation system is effective in capturing the detail and variety of information needed to serve later outcome, community impact and cost-benefit analyses. A response to this question could advance the field by providing a tested evaluation instrument to other states that are administering major public health initiatives at the local level. In addition to a brief demonstration of the database modules, we will discuss the system’s design and implementation process, financial costs, user evaluations, and barriers to and opportunities for use.
Learning Objectives: 1)Understand the necessity for multi-agency process evaluation outcomes within state-wide comprehensive prevention efforts. 2)Apply individual program needs to the formative steps of creating a standardized process evaluation system. 3)Recognize local practitioners' capacity to collect and submit reliable and consistent data with the aid of a standardized process evaluation network system
Keywords: Evaluation, Information Databases
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of Minnesota, Divison of Epidemiology
MN State Department of Health
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.