Techniques for Evaluating Health Policy - Essay Example

Evaluation is defined as the assessment of the extent to which an action achieves a valued outcome (Nutbeam, 1998). The process itself also contributes to the value in terms of measurable achievement. Evaluation is also defined as "the use of the scientific method, and the rigorous and systematic collection of research data to assess the effectiveness of organisations, services and programmes such as health service interventions in achieving predefined objectives" (Bowling, 2002). The purpose of the evaluation is to test the correctness of an implemented plan and to suggest corrections if deficiencies are encountered.

 Grossly, there are three types’ measures that are used for evaluation (Gilson et al, 1975). They include ‘measures of structure, measures of process and measurement of outcomes. Measures of structure and process evaluate the strategies behind the policy while the measures of outcome assess the effects of the policy on the affected population.  Community participation in the evaluation of any health policy is of prime importance and deliberative approaches when used by the concerned authorities are successful in yielding information that leads to the development of effective and appropriate modifications in any health programme (Gregory et al, 2008). A specific health intervention that has definite endpoints like the success of Polio immunization can be simply evaluated by taking the total figures of immunization doses administered (process measure) and demonstrable data of less occurrence of  Polio (outcome measure) (Gilson et al, 1975). Read More