- Eric A Finkelstein: RTI International, Health, Social and Economics Research, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA. finkelse@rti.org
BACKGROUND: In today's healthcare environment, public health resources are scarce. Thus, interventions to improve the public's health must be rigorously evaluated to ensure that they make the best use of available resources.
METHODS: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a general framework for program evaluation. This paper presents additional details on several key evaluation areas within CDC's framework.
RESULTS: Successful evaluations will be built into the program design; will be multifaceted, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods; will assess both process and outcome measures; and will engage stakeholders to ensure utility of results.
CONCLUSIONS: Well-planned evaluations can lead to less burdensome yet more effective assessment and better program performance and can increase the knowledge base for health promotion practice.