Assignment 2 - 809

After the class that we had the other day I have given a lot more thought to this assignment and rewritten it with fresh perspective. One of the things that really came through during our class was the use of logic models and I think that without a logic model for this evaluation it is difficult to plan which type of evaluation to use. I can clearly see that logic models are the backbone of any evaluation and after discussing this program in terms of a logic model in class it became more clear to me how to proceed with an evaluation.
For the evaluation of the program using exercise to diminish gestational diabetes in Aboriginal women I would go with the Provus discrepancy model. I've chosen this model as I feel that it fits how I would evaluate the program given the limited amount of information I have about it. Of course I would start by identifying the program objectives but also look for underlying objectives which are not stated explicitly. The main objective is to reduce instances of GDM but are there also underlying goals of increasing Aboriginal community health and educating the Aboriginal community about the dangers of GDM and how to avoid its dangerous effects?
The next step is to assess whether or not those goals were met. In order to do this we need to gather data. I think that interviews with secondary stakeholders such as the nurse, physiotherapist and the exercise instructors would be a great place to start so that we can get an overall view of how they think the program went and what they perceived the goals were and whether they were met. Next, I think that interviews would also be great to conduct with the participants but seeing as how they are busy moms now, I think a phone survey would be a lot more convenient for them and you'd get more responses. After gathering the data you need to compare the results with the goals and see if there were any discrepancies between the stated goals and the results. If discrepancies do exist you need to examine why they exist and then move on to making recommendations for change. Do the goals need to change or does the implementation? Finally you need to look at whether this program should proceed in its current form or needs to be redesigned altogether and whether or not it was cost effective.
I feel that this model worked well for this project because it helps to define the program as it evaluates it. After reading the summary of the program I was left with tons of questions regarding who exactly all of the stakeholders were, where the funding really came from, how the program was advertised and implemented, and the actual affect on the mothers after it was done. I think that because the program was an offshoot of another research project it probably wasn't given the kind of planning needed to ensure success and the discrepancy model can provide the clear link of goals to results that needs to be shown if the project is to continue. By redefining the goals and making them clear this program could become strengthened in its implementation.
Another aspect that I feel is important in this evaluation is the cost-benefit analysis. In any kind of program dealing with health care there is a financial aspect that must be addressed. The program must show that it has a positive economic impact in the health care field, or why would anyone give them money to continue?
I hope that by rewriting this I've given you the assignment you're looking for, but I know for sure that I've learned from this assignment by rethinking it and I'm pleased with that outcome.