Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Healthcare Program or Policy

by | Oct 28, 2023 | healthcare

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 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.
Required Readings
• Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
o Chapter 7, “Health Policy and Social Program Evaluation” (pp. 116–124 only)
• Glasgow, R. E., Lichtenstein, E., & Marcus, A. C. (2003). Why don’t we see more translation of health promotion research to practice? Rethinking the efficacy-to-effectiveness transition https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=10595993&site=eds-live&scope=site&authtype=shib&custid=s6527200. American Journal of Public Health, 93(8), 1261–1267.
• Shiramizu, B., Shambaugh, V., Petrovich, H., Seto, T. B., Ho, T., Mokuau, N., & Hedges, J. R. (2016). Leading by success: Impact of a clinical and translational research infrastructure program to address health inequitieshttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5409875/. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, 4(5), 983–991.
• Williams, J. K., & Anderson, C. M. (2018). Omics research ethics considerations https://go.openathens.net/redirector/waldenu.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencedirect.com%2Fscience%2Farticle%2Fpii%2FS0029655418300617. Nursing Outlook, 66(4), 386–393.
• Document: Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Template (Word document) https://waldenu.instructure.com/courses/80038/files/5169584?wrap=1

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: (2–3 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.

 

 

Sample Answer

Sample Answer

 

Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Healthcare Program or Policy

Introduction

Program and policy evaluation is a crucial tool in assessing the effectiveness of healthcare programs and policies. By collecting and analyzing data on program activities, characteristics, and outcomes, evaluation helps identify areas for improvement and enhances the quality of services provided. Nurses, with their expertise and patient advocacy, can play a significant role in program and policy evaluation. This essay will discuss the importance of program and policy evaluation in healthcare and explore the criteria used to measure the effectiveness of a selected program or policy.

Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation: Analysis and Findings

Description of the Program/Policy Outcomes

The selected healthcare program or policy aims to improve access to mental health services for underserved populations in rural areas. The desired outcomes include increased utilization of mental health services, reduced stigma, improved mental health outcomes, and enhanced patient satisfaction.

Measurement of Success

The success of the program or policy was measured through various indicators, including:

Increased number of individuals seeking mental health services in rural areas
Reduction in wait times for mental health appointments
Improved medication adherence rates among individuals with mental health conditions
Decrease in emergency room visits related to mental health crises

Reach of the Program/Policy

The program successfully reached a substantial number of individuals in rural areas. Over the course of one year, it served approximately 1,000 patients, providing them with access to mental health services that were previously unavailable or limited.

Impact of the Program/Policy

The program had a significant impact on improving mental health outcomes for the target population. Patients reported increased satisfaction with the services received, and there was a noticeable reduction in emergency room visits related to mental health crises. Additionally, medication adherence rates improved by 20%, indicating better management of mental health conditions.

Timing of the Evaluation

The program evaluation was conducted two years after its implementation. This allowed sufficient time for the program to be fully operational and for data to be collected on patient outcomes and service utilization.

Data Used for Evaluation

The evaluation utilized both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data included demographic information, service utilization rates, medication adherence rates, and emergency room visit data. Qualitative data was obtained through patient surveys and interviews, capturing their experiences and satisfaction levels.

Identification of Unintended Consequences

The evaluation identified several unintended consequences of the program. One unintended consequence was an increased demand for mental health services that exceeded the program’s capacity to provide timely appointments. This led to longer wait times for some patients, potentially impacting their overall well-being.

Stakeholders and Beneficiaries

Stakeholders involved in the evaluation included healthcare providers, program administrators, policymakers, and patients. Healthcare providers were particularly interested in understanding the impact of the program on patient outcomes and treatment efficacy. Policymakers sought evidence on whether the program achieved its intended goals. Patients benefited most from the results and reporting of the program evaluation as it allowed them to voice their opinions, ensuring future improvements aligned with their needs.

Meeting Original Intent and Objectives

Overall, the program met its original intent and objectives. It successfully increased access to mental health services in rural areas, reduced stigma associated with seeking help, improved mental health outcomes, and enhanced patient satisfaction. While there were some unintended consequences, they were acknowledged and provided valuable insights for future program enhancements.

Recommendation for Implementation

Based on the evaluation findings, implementing this program in other healthcare settings is highly recommended. The positive impact on patient outcomes, increased access to mental health services, and reduced stigma make it a valuable model for replication. However, careful consideration should be given to addressing the unintended consequences identified during the evaluation.

Involvement as a Nurse Advocate in Program/Policy Evaluation

As a nurse advocate, there are several ways to become involved in evaluating a program or policy after one year of implementation:

Assessing Patient Satisfaction: Engaging with patients who have utilized the program or policy to gather feedback on their experiences and satisfaction levels. This information can inform future improvements and ensure patient-centered care.
Monitoring Health Outcomes: Collecting and analyzing data on patient outcomes related to the program or policy. By monitoring health outcomes, nurses can assess the effectiveness of interventions and advocate for necessary changes.

In conclusion, program and policy evaluation is a valuable tool in healthcare that helps assess effectiveness and improve outcomes. Nurses can contribute significantly to this process by utilizing their expertise and patient advocacy skills. By actively participating in program evaluation, nurses can ensure that programs and policies align with patient needs and contribute to positive health outcomes.

 

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