There are several reasons for conducting process evaluation throughout the implementation of a program. Chief among them is to compare the program that is being delivered to the original program plan, in order to identify gaps and make improvements. Therefore, documentation from the planning stage may prove useful when planning a process evaluation.
Review the resource “Workbook for Designing a Process Evaluation”.
For this Assignment, build on the support group for caregivers of Veterans with PTSD from last week.
Submit a 4- to 5-page plan for a process evaluation. Include the following minimal information:
• A description of the key program elements
• A description of the strategies that the program uses to produce change
• A description of the needs of the target population
• An explanation of why a process evaluation is important for the program
• A plan for building relationships with the staff and management
• Broad questions to be answered by the process evaluation
• Specific questions to be answered by the process evaluation
• A plan for gathering and analyzing the information
Process Evaluation
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course
Instructor’s Name
Date
Process Evaluation
Introduction
Evaluation is an important process of project management. It helps to assess the success and impact the project, program, or policy has caused. Evaluation requires the evaluation team to gather important information to analyze the process and outcome of particular projects. According to Bliss & Emshoff (2002), a process evaluation uses empirical data to assess the delivery of programs. On the other hand, outcome evaluation assesses the impact of the program. Process evaluation can help determine whether a program is being implemented as designed (Bliss & Emshoff, 2002). In that regard, this paper answers all the questions regarding process evaluation for the counseling and education program for caregivers of children with developmental delays
A description of the key program elements
Program components are identified by answering specific questions such as who, what, when, where, and how. Who: asks about the program clients or recipients and staff. What: includes activities, behaviors, or materials (Bliss & Emshoff, 2002). When: includes frequency and length of the intervention. Where: describes the community context or physical setting of the intervention. Finally, how: are strategies for operating the intervention of the program. Below are the key elements specific to this program.
- Who: Caregivers of children with developmental delays.
- What: Counseling and education program.
- When: 2 times per year
- Where: In one of the community schools.
- How: Group administered intervention, small group practice.
A description of the strategies that the program uses to produce change
The change is required to benefit both the caregivers and the children. Certain strategies must be put in place to ensure these individuals benefit from the program. For example, the educator/counselor should begin the sessions with an introductory part to help recognize and know each other. It is a good strategy to improve learning, interaction, and communication (Bliss & Emshoff, 2002). The following topics will be covered:
- Children’s developmental milestones, including causes and risk factors of developmental delays and disabilities.
- How to care for a child with developmental delays or disabilities.
- Counseling sessions for all individuals facing various challenges.
- They will be provided with written information and have them take it home to share with their friends who did not attend.
- The educator will request signatures to indicate compliance.
- Questionnaires and open-ended interviews will be used to gather information.
A description of the needs of the target population
Most parents or caregivers have little information regarding developmental delays in children, making it difficult for them to live with such children. Also, discovering that a child has developmental delays can be overwhelming, especially, to the parent (Wang et al., 2019). Dealing with what people say and fallouts from extended family can be trying. The delays are also associated with the financial burden. The worries and anxiety can be overwhelming, hence, emotional support is very important for caregivers.
The target population is caregivers of children with developmental delays. Bout a minimum of 50 members of the target audience are required for this program. These individuals may include male or female caregivers (Wang et al., 2019). To meet the inclusion criteria, the target group must have a child/children with any type of developmental delays, must be 25 years and older, must be willing to participate, and must be available throughout the program.
An explanation of why a process evaluation is important for the program
A process evaluation utilizes empirical data to assess the delivery of programs. Process evaluation is important because it helps to determine the extent to which the intervention or program is being implemented (Bliss & Emshoff, 2002). It is important for the program because it assesses the fidelity and variability in program implementation that are expected or unexpected. Furthermore, process evaluation provides validity regarding the relationship between the intervention and the outcomes. A process evaluation provides program accountability to sponsors, the public, clients, and funders and also offers managers feedback on the quality of implementation (Bliss & Emshoff, 2002). To refine delivery components. Therefore, Process evaluation is an important part of project management.
A plan for building relationships with the staff and management
Strong and positive relationships promote collaboration between the staff. Strong collaborative relationships result in better feedback regarding evaluation design and implementation (Bliss & Emshoff, 2002). To build a collaborative relationship, the evaluation team will be introduced to as many staff and management personnel as early as possible. Respect is very important and will be upheld during interaction (Bliss & Emshoff, 2002). It is important to inform the evaluation team to set up a meeting in places that are accessible to all individuals involved in the evaluation.
It is critical to respect everyone’s opinion and give them equal opportunities and fair treatment when working together. Additionally, the staff and management personnel should be involved in a series of meetings throughout the evaluation process (Bliss & Emshoff, 2002). Last but not least, it is necessary to provide feedback regarding the evaluation findings to the key managers, policymakers, and staff appropriately and at the right time.
Broad questions to be answered by the process evaluation
- Was the component completed as indicated?
- What were the strengths in implementation?
- What were the barriers or challenges in implementation?
- What were the apparent strengths and weaknesses of each step of the intervention?
- Did the recipient understand the intervention?
- Were resources available to sustain project activities?
- What were staff perceptions?
- What were community perceptions?
- What was the nature of the interaction between staff and clients?
Specific questions to be answered by the process evaluation
- Who is the target audience, client, or recipient?
- How many people have participated?
- What are the demographic characteristics of clients?
- How many staff members were involved in the program?
- What are the methods of delivery used in the program?
- What types of communication techniques are implemented?
- How is the intervention structured?
- How frequently is the intervention conducted?
- What are the length and/or duration of each service?
- Where does the intervention occur?
- What type of facility is used?
- Why are these activities or strategies implemented and why not others?
A plan for gathering and analyzing the information
The information about the study population will be gathered using questionnaires and open-ended interviews. The information gathered using the two methods will be used to understand whether or not the caregivers require a training and counseling program (Wang et al., 2019). A questionnaire is a reliable research tool or the instrument used to gather information. Similarly, interviews are directed conversations with specific people for purposes of gathering particular information.
Analysis of the data will be based on the research questions or expected outcomes. The method of data analysis to be used is content analysis, which is the most common method used to analyze qualitative data (Wang et al., 2019). The evaluation team will analyze documented information in the form of text. Content analysis will be used to analyze responses from interviewees. The analysis may include tabulation of some data in a table form.
Conclusion
A process evaluation utilizes empirical data to assess the delivery of programs. It is an important part of project management. Process evaluation involves consideration of several project components, which are often identified by answering specific questions such as who, what, when, where, and how. Proper strategies must be established to ensure the change happens successfully. Additionally, staff collaboration is important throughout the process. To carry out a successful process evaluation specific questions must be asked to assess the whole process. A good plan for gathering and analyzing data must also be in place.
References
Bliss, M. J., & Emshoff, J. G. (2002). Workbook for designing a process evaluation. Atlanta, GA: Georgia State University. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/James-Emshoff-2/publication/237781138_Workbook_for_Designing_a_Process_Evaluation/links/563107ef08ae13bc6c355086/Workbook-for-Designing-a-Process-Evaluation.pdf
Wang, V. C. X. (2019). Scholarly publishing and research methods across disciplines. IGI Global.