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Frances D. Butterfoss, PhD, Center for Pediatric Research, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 855 W. Brambleton Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510, 757-668-6429, fbutterf@chkd.org and Richard S. Kurz, PhD, School of Public Health, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Salus Center, St. Louis, MO 63104.
Evaluating coalitions and partnerships and the comprehensive programs that they implement within their communities is difficult. This presentation will set the stage as to why evaluation of coalitions is important, what should be evaluated and how to do it more successfully. Coalitions will be defined in terms of their functions and what makes them effective. The benefits and challenges of coalition approaches will be discussed as well as why it is critical to evaluate these organizations. Four levels of coalition outcomes with examples will be described that include: 1) process measures of coalition effectiveness, 2) impacts from specific projects implemented by the coalition, 3) outcomes related to changes in community policies, practices and environments, and 4) outcomes related to changes in health status indicators. Finally the barriers to effective coalition evaluation and the six steps to successful evaluation will be presented. This session will demonstrate that coalitions can be successfully evaluated and that evaluation is essential to sustaining coalitions and institutionalizing their programs within the community.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to
Keywords: Evaluation, Coalition
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.