Rapid Participatory Appraisal (RPA) is a WHO rapid assessment model for participatory action research focusing on health improvements for low-income urban and rural areas. Rapid assessment models have been used extensively in many countries, and are recently receiving attention in the United States. Based on systems theory, grounded theory, and principles of participatory change, RPA regards assessment as the first step in the problem solving process, and claims to achieve assessment and policy development within limited resources of time and money. Literature documenting the fulfillment of claims made by this or any assessment model is sparse, and describes studies conducted outside the USA. The utility of the RPA model was evaluated by the case study of an RPA-based community assessment and its subsequent outcomes in a major Southwest USA city. The RPA model met the criteria for utility from the perspectives of merit, worth, efficiency and effectiveness. Compared with other assessment models, RPA best met the agencies’ criteria (merit). It met the data needs of the primary agency in the study situation (worth), provided valid results within budget, time, and personnel constraints (efficiency), and stimulated policy development by the agency and its community advisors leading to $400,000 in program funding for four years (effectiveness).
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Compare community assessment models in relation to agency criteria, 2. Assess the intrinsic and extrinsic values of a model in its applicability in a practical context, 3. Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of a model in relation to community assessment and policy development.
Keywords: Core Functions, Partnerships
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.