A Cross Community Tobacco Coalition Process Evaluation Model based on the Strategic Prevention Framework

Process evaluations allow us to understand how activities contribute to program outcomes. At the community level process evaluation can also be an integral part of an ongoing quality improvement cycle to assist in implementing evidence-based strategies. The literature on coalition function identifies a series of factors that can impact their performance including organizational structure, membership, leadership, training and cultural competency. The National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration's Strategic Prevention Framework offers strategies for improving coalition function.

This session examines lessons learned from application of a process evaluation model based on the Strategic Prevention Framework in six Texas communities funded to establish comprehensive tobacco prevention and control coalitions. It will describe how process evaluation findings were used to compare and contrast program implementation across the sites as well as to enhance coalition performance.

The accompanying process evaluation resource guide includes sample evaluation questions, progress measures, data collection instruments and methods, a timeline and sample data displays designed for use by independent, local evaluators.