3176.0: Monday, November 13, 2000 - Board 6

Abstract #10477

Using evaluation to plan for a management data system

Carol E. Rheaume, MSPH1, John R. Ureda, DrPH2, and Belinda M. Reininger, DrPH2. (1) Insights Consulting Group, 116 Hilton Run Ct, Chapin, SC 29036, (803)932-2680, rheaumec@bellsouth.net, (2) Department of Health Promotion and Education, School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 216 A Health Sciences Building, Columbia, SC 29208

South Carolina BCCEDP will describe how an evaluative framework helped identify program priorities and guided revision of the program data system. This framework 1) delineated the structure and functioning of the program and its components, 2) facilitated the assessment of infrastructure support for each program component in fulfilling its objectives, 3) provided direction for revising the management data system. In 1997, the South Carolina Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (SC BCCEDP) began implementation of an interactive evaluation process, Integrated Program Development (IPD). IPD uses a team approach to assess program goals, objectives, activities, information and communications flow in a specific project or program. Its goal is to create an adaptive and learning organization to ensure achievement of objectives and mission. The first year, the evaluation proceeded in three phases: conducting qualitative interviews with program managers to describe program activities, objectives and information needs; prioritizing evaluative needs; conducting more in-depth qualitative interviews with staff in the priority area to describe and clarify activities and information need relationships. With support from the evaluation team, staff determined that revision of the management data system was the priority. The IPD approach was used in each aspect of the planning and preparation for the system revision. An Insights map was developed and used to illustrate how the information flowed and was to be used for all of the SC BCCEDP program activities. These maps and intermediate processes will be described in more detail.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to: 1) Describe how program activities and management information can be illustrated as a program map. 2) Describe how program maps can be used to determine priority interventions for program infrastructure development. 3) Describe how program mapping can be used to facilitate team development among program staff

Keywords: Evaluation,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: South Carolina Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Consulting

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA