Designing a Monitoring and Evaluation Matrix for Programs in Underserved Communities: Lessons from the Mississippi Minority Health Equity and Promotion Program

Introduction: A review of evaluation literature indicates many approaches are used to assess and evaluate programs and projects. Monitoring systems tend to follow program or project objectives and goals. However, impact and outcome have sometimes been difficult to measure due to other causes, confounders and monitoring instrument precision challenges. We report a proposed model for fusing monitoring and data collection with evaluation in order to more directly connect impact with activities and plans.

Method: We designed a flow chart that identifies different program and project phases using the Planned Approach to Community Health (PATCH) model for health interventions. We develop objective tooling to measure outcomes and impact from outputs. We relate measures to the Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) model cycle to engage a continuous quality improvement process and enhance the program or project.

Result: A coherent matrix that provides guidance to planners, managers and interventionists, and allows for a flow algorithm that directly measures outcome and impact was developed. Elements included project planning and formation, implementation, evaluation and impact measures.

Conclusion: A well designed evaluation plan helps guide program and project implementation and measurement. Project measurement allows planners to anticipate outcomes and impacts, to better design and plan programs. Well thought out and designed evaluation plans are encouraged for program and project planning to enhance effects in poor and underserved communities, help close gaps in health disparities and promote health equity.