Introduction
The evaluation process refers to an efficient way of examining the importance of objects. It focuses on how given programs operate. If done correctly, the process of evaluation can offer information to enhance the qualities of a program. It can ensure that the required quality of the program is achieved. Consequently, it can make the program become accountable to many stakeholders inclusive of sponsors, administrators, and staff (Combs & Falletta, 2000).
The evaluation process
In the recent past, the evaluation process has changed greatly. This has seen the process acquiring new new aspects including definitions and approaches. This evolution led to the emerging of program evaluation. This was as a result of combining program management with the process of evaluation. There are three forms of evaluation. They include formative, process and outcome evaluation. Formative appraisal is usually carried out prior to the commencement of a campaign. In addition, it can be carried out during the early stages. It guides the development of the campaign and techniques that would understand the targeted audience. The evaluation assesses the short and the long term changes that result from campaign activities (Wansburg, 1995).
Process evaluation vs. formative evaluation
The two forms of evaluation can lead to improved consumption of the scarce resources. They can also facilitate better understanding of the challenges of program impacts for future reference. Their difference is that the primary purpose of the process evaluation is to improve understanding of how a program achieves its goal. It also interprets impacts of the program informing others who wish to learn from the program’s experience. On the other hand, the purpose of the formative evaluation is to source the information that can be consumed by the program decision makers in refining and improving programs on a continuous basis from an early stage (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1999).
Outcome evaluation vs. process evaluation
Process evaluation can be used in reporting great issues affecting the people. On the other hand, the outcome evaluation does not indicate whether there has been a change or improvement in the level of knowledge.
How the results of an evaluation influence decision making in public health
Evaluation has a great impact on decision making process in the levels and mechanisms of public health. It is important for guiding and evaluating doctors and nurses on their instructional objectives that are based on quality services achievements. These levels and mechanisms include individual attitudes and behaviour, interpersonal behaviours, and public health at large. The individual level of decision making helps in behaviour change, skills acquisition, priming, salience and attitude change. At the level of the interpersonal behavioural decision making, evaluation influences justification, persuasion, change agent, social norms and minority opinion influence. The public health is also influenced by evaluation in decision making, agenda setting, policy making, policy learning and diffusion (Glasman & Nevo, 1988).
Conclusion
The process of evaluation focuses on how certain programs operate. It also focuses on how programs are designed to answer queries on what is done, the time it is done, the doer and whom it is done for. If done correctly, the process of evaluation can ensure that the required quality of a program is achieved. The three forms of evaluation can lead to improved consumption of scarce resources because of effective programs. In addition, it can facilitate better understanding of the challenges of program impacts for future reference.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (1999). Framework for program evaluation in public health. Web.
Combs, W. L., & Falletta, S. V. (2000). The targeted evaluation process: A performance consultant’s guide to asking the right questions and getting the results you trust. Alexandria, VA: ASTD.
Glasman, N. S., & Nevo, D. (1988). Evaluation in decision making: The case of school administration. Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers.
Wansburg, R. C. (1995). Nursing staff development: A component of human resource development. Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.