Program Planning & Evaluation Flashcards

When developing a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), which step should occur FIRST?

Answer: Conducting a Community Health Assessment (CHA)

A Community Health Assessment (CHA) identifies priority health needs and community assets, and must precede planning, prioritization, and implementation of any interventions.

Which concept describes the extent to which a program produces intended outcomes under real-world conditions (outside controlled settings)?

Answer: Effectiveness

Effectiveness refers to how well a program achieves intended outcomes in real-world settings, whereas efficacy is measured under ideal, controlled conditions.

A Gantt chart in public health program planning is PRIMARILY used to:

Answer: Map program tasks, responsibilities, and timelines visually

A Gantt chart is a project management tool that visually represents tasks, assigned personnel, durations, and timelines, helping coordinators track and manage implementation.

Which of the following BEST describes the concept of program fidelity?

Answer: The degree to which a program is implemented as originally designed

Program fidelity refers to how closely actual implementation adheres to the original program design, which is critical for replicating success and attributing outcomes to the intervention.

Which evaluation approach involves collecting both quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive understanding of program performance?

Answer: Mixed-methods evaluation

Mixed-methods evaluation combines quantitative data (numbers, statistics) with qualitative data (interviews, focus groups, observations) for a richer, more nuanced understanding of program performance.

Everett Rogers' 'diffusion of innovations' theory is MOST relevant to public health program planning in terms of:

Answer: Understanding how new health programs and behaviors spread through communities

Rogers' diffusion of innovations theory describes how new ideas, practices, and programs are adopted over time through social systems, helping planners anticipate and accelerate program uptake.

In program planning, a stakeholder analysis is conducted primarily to:

Answer: Identify individuals and groups with interest in or influence over the program

Stakeholder analysis identifies who has an interest in or influence over a program, enabling planners to engage the right people, build support, and anticipate potential resistance.