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 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.

• 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.

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 

Sample Answer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis: Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)

1. Description of Healthcare Program Outcomes

The NFP is a prenatal and infancy home-visitation program where registered nurses provide intensive support to first-time, low-income mothers. The primary intended outcomes of the policy include:

Improved Pregnancy Outcomes: Reducing substance abuse during pregnancy and increasing prenatal care compliance.

Child Health and Development: Reducing childhood injuries, abuse, and neglect while improving school readiness.

Economic Self-Sufficiency: Helping parents develop a vision for their future, stay in school, and find employment.

2. How Success was Measured (Evaluation Criteria)

The effectiveness of the NFP is measured using a "Gold Standard" evaluation method: Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). Evaluation criteria include:

Clinical Indicators: Rates of preterm births, low birth weight, and immunization completion.