Abstract Text: Valuable lessons have been learned during the first two-years of a three-year federally funded project to evaluate teen pregnancy prevention programs across the state of South Carolina. A nominal group process to identify the key lessons learned by the eleven-member evaluation team is conducted annually. The resulting lessons learned are relevant to evaluators using multi-method approaches when implementing evaluations of health promotion initiatives. We will discuss lessons learned on: 1) innovative approaches to standardized program evaluation in variable settings, 2)the necessity of using both qualitative and quantitative methods to gather information, 3)the feasibility of using empowerment evaluations for large-scale projects, and 4)the need for appropriate legislation for public health initiatives. Implications for program evaluation based on these lessons learned will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant will be able to: 1) Identify causes of four major issues and challenges for the evaluation of statewide prevention programs, and 2) Discuss implications of the lessons learned.
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.