Staying focused and moving forward: Evaluation of a state cancer coalition

Coalitions require regular process and structural evaluation to stay on track and perform optimally. The Cancer Control Project within the Division of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control at the Virginia Department of Health, in discussion and agreement with the Virginia Cancer Plan Action Coalition, contracted consultants to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the coalition. The evaluation included a review of historic documents, which was applied to the Stages of Coalition Framework. The State Cancer Plan was evaluated using the State Plan Index tool. Members and stakeholders provided input through an online member survey and 19 key informant telephonic interviews. The variety of methods allowed for triangulation, a method of gathering data from multiple datasets to reduce bias and strengthen findings. Structural findings included the need for a more diverse membership because certain sectors were missing (i.e. community-based, faith-based, labor/employment/business) and some were overrepresented (academic institutions, medical centers and government/health sectors). Membership was loyal and active (40% were members for 3 or more years; 85% of respondents reported they had served on additional committees). The coalition provided a number of educational programs, members were satisfied with the number of meetings, and pleased with the network of new contacts the coalition afforded them. Recommendations for process improvement included an emphasis on internal and external communication, moving forward on achieving state cancer plan goals, and recruiting, restructuring and revitalizing membership and leadership for sustainability. An annual review of the state cancer plan was also recommended to make course corrections and stay focused.