Process Evaluation is designed to generate a blueprint of a program in action. There are three purposes for process evaluation: ( 1) to describe for the Foundation how you use funds provided; ( 2) to give others wishing to replicate your work a guide to follow; and/or (3) so that when the outcomes of a model program are to be studied, it will be possible in the end to describe what the “intervention” consisted of in reality, not just as designed. Process evaluations document how a program operates by describing characteristics of clients and staff, the nature of services offered and methods of delivery, and patterns of service use.
Process Evaluation is appropriate for:
- All direct service and training projects
- Conferences
- Model and demonstration projects
Process Evaluation Questions:
The following questions can guide applicants who feel that a process evaluation may be most appropriate to their work:
- What are the goals and specific objectives of your project?
- For each objective, what specific steps are taken and how are they accomplished?
- For each objective or program component, what resources/inputs are needed (type and numbers and time commitments of staff, physical space(s), equipment, volunteers, etc.)?
- What type(s) of client(s) does each program element target?
- What are the characteristics of clients actually served (age, gender, health status, living situation, family status, cognitive status, functional status, etc.)?
- Are the characteristics of clients/participants in line with the targeted population? If not, why not? What type(s) are under-represented and why do you feel these groups are not being reached?
- How many clients/participants receive each service? Is this more or less than your goal? Why do you think demand is higher or lower than expected?
- How many units of each type of service/program component do clients receive? (E.g. hours, rides, course sessions, friendly visits, days of adult day care, rehabilitation sessions, etc.)
- How much does the program cost? How does this break down for individual parts of larger projects?
- How satisfied are clients with services provided? Are there any aspects of program operation that clients or staff would recommend changing and why?