Door-to-door outreach in New Orleans: A community-academic partnership expands in-house capacity to monitor and evaluate the Health Care For All program in Katrina's aftermath

Background: The Kingsley House Health Care For All (HCFA) Program, through its Walker/Talker outreach model has connected New Orleans families in need with access to healthcare and social service programs. The HCFA facilitates applications for Food Stamps, Medicaid and SCHIP, as well as providing referrals to local social services. The HCFA Program has recently extended its services and implemented home-based health and nutrition education sessions, utilizing social networks and peer education to increase knowledge and influence behavioral change regarding nutrition and exercise. This expansion provides an opportunity for a joint partnership in monitoring and evaluating the HCFA program.

Methods: HCFA program evaluation was jointly conceived by the HCFA staff and J&J Community HealthCare Scholars Program. A conceptual framework was developed, identifying intended outcomes and informing the development of project goals, objectives and indicators. In addition, a data management system was developed. HCFA staff received bi-annual trainings in evaluation design, database creation, analysis and data reporting.

Results: HCFA resulted in over 1,000 successful applicants to assistance programs, up more than 20 % from the preceding year. Preliminary results show improved nutrition knowledge and increased self-efficacy in preparing healthy meals among program participants. Proficiency in monitoring and evaluation methods was realized by Kingsley House staff.

Conclusion: Expanding in-house capacity in evaluation methods promotes the sustainability of organizations addressing critical gaps in healthcare access, and expands the skill sets of community healthcare workers.