The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70206

Susanne B. Montgomery, PhD, MPH¹, Heather Diaz, MPH², Julie Pham, BS³, Janisse Jaque Maxwell, BS², A. Esther Suarez, BA², and Leslie Bramson, RN, MPH². (1) School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion and Education, Evaluation Research Unit, Loma Linda University, 10970 Parkland Avenue, Loma Linda, CA 92350, (909) 558-4575, smontgomery@sph.llu.edu, (2) School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, Nichol Hall Room 1511, Loma Linda, CA 92350, (3) Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University School of Public Health, Nichol Hall, Loma Linda, CA 92350

First 5 Commission of San Bernardino County, CA (Proposition 10) has been working toward improving child health and development, family functioning, and school readiness since 1998. To assess the impact of the first five years, the commission embarked on a strategic planning process in January 2003 involving 6 regions of the county. The comprehensive needs and assets assessment plan aims to identify outcome indicators which allow an appraisal of currently measurable needs of families and children ages 0-5 using Geographical Informational Systems, quantitative surveys, and regional qualitative data collection. Expert advisory teams identified measurable outcomes to explore current needs and monitor future trends. Six community advisory teams identified key informants (parents and service providers) to help evaluate perceived needs of the target population. Methods included 18 focus groups, 72 key informant interviews, and over 500 parent surveys. Twelve community forums were held where residents shared experiences and concerns. All were recorded and transcribed. Qualitative data was analyzed using Grounded Theory methods and the qualitative software-N6. Emerging themes were identified and will be presented. Triangulation analysis will determine if perceived needs are similar to needs identified through currently available data sources. Results will facilitate better-informed policy recommendations guiding the Pro 10 commission’s allocation of future funds. Evaluation criteria will be developed based on outcome, providing future funded agencies with clear expectations and objective measures for documenting program successes. The systematic approach to identifying funding needs will be discussed, emphasizing sustainability of outcome monitoring for continued effective future funding allocation.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session participants will be able to:
• Discuss the significance of conducting needs assessments for the assurance of well spent Proposition 10 funds;
• recognize a strategic planning model by which outcome based evaluations may occur in their own respective counties;
• Identify at least three ways of how such outcome based evaluations impact behavior, lifestyle, and social determinants of health for communities.

Keywords: Evaluation, Needs Assessment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.