Integrated Financial and Program Evaluation: A Comprehensive Approach

With a renewed focus by Congress and other funders on strong wellness and prevention programs, the ability to effectively manage these programs is imperative to success. Public health systems can utilize components of a comprehensive management approach to efficiently manage funds and achieve desired health outcomes. Using as a case study our successful implementation of a Center of Excellence for a federal health agency, we will provide insights into the success factors, lessons learned, and application for other federal, state, and local public health organizations, with particular focus on current and project future funding opportunities. The components of our approach include; program planning and management, internal technical assistance, external technical assistance, and implementation, monitoring and reporting. By utilizing this approach, public health agencies can meet increased demands for administrative and program accountability, transparency, and reporting; reducing political risk through active planning and management; managing complex constituencies; and expanding networks. By gaining insight into this comprehensive approach, attendees will be able to; 1) explain the key components of a comprehensive program management plan, 2) identify the role of subject matter experts in the program management process, and 3) compare this comprehensive approach to traditional program evaluation techniques.