Assignment: Assessing a Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation

 Program/policy evaluation is a valuable tool that can help strengthen the quality of programs/policies and improve outcomes for the populations they serve. Program/policy evaluation answers basic questions about program/policy effectiveness. It involves collecting and analyzing information about program/policy activities, characteristics, and outcomes. This information can be used to ultimately improve program services or policy initiatives.

Nurses can play a very important role in assessing program/policy evaluation for the same reasons that they can be so important to program/policy design. Nurses bring expertise and patient advocacy that can add significant insight and impact. In this Assignment, you will practice applying this expertise and insight by selecting an existing healthcare program or policy evaluation and reflecting on the criteria used to measure the effectiveness of the program/policy.

To Prepare:

• Review the Healthcare Program/Policy      Evaluation Analysis Template provided in the Resources.


• Select an existing healthcare program or policy evaluation or choose one of interest to you.


• Review community, state, or federal policy evaluation and reflect on the criteria used to measure the effectiveness of the program or policy described.

The Assignment: (3-4 pages)

Based on the program or policy evaluation you selected, complete the Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis Template. Be sure to address the following:

• Describe the healthcare program      or policy outcomes.


• How was the success of the      program or policy measured?


• How many people were reached by      the program or policy selected?


• How much of an impact was      realized with the program or policy selected?


• At what point in program      implementation was the program or policy evaluation conducted?


• What data was used to conduct      the program or policy evaluation?


• What specific information on      unintended consequences was identified?


• What stakeholders were      identified in the evaluation of the program or policy? Who would benefit      most from the results and reporting of the program or policy evaluation?      Be specific and provide examples.


• Did the program or policy meet      the original intent and objectives? Why or why not?


• Would you recommend      implementing this program or policy in your place of work? Why or why not?


• Identify at least two ways that      you, as a nurse advocate, could become involved in evaluating a program or      policy after 1 year of implementation.