Health Program Evaluation 1

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Classroom mode: Students will be expected to undertake additional study of 6 to 8 hours per week in this subject.

Distance mode : Approximately 120 hours studying course materials, including on-line learning activities, nominated readings and textbooks, and tutorials with forum and asynchronous tutor contact.

None. This subject is usually the first taken in the Master of Public Health's Health Program Evaluation specialisation.

This subject examines the diverse purposes health program evaluations can serve and the wide range of environments in which health program evaluations are conducted. Using Australian and overseas evaluation examples, students gain an overview of conceptual and methodological issues in the key evaluation approaches. The three major stages in the conduct of an evaluation are covered: planning and negotiating the terms and design of the evaluation; data collection and analysis; and the provision of findings. Each stage is considered through example and critique of those examples, with opportunities to apply these skills in the development of an evaluation plan for a real, work-based program. The limitations of evaluation in assisting decision-making are examined.

• An advanced understanding of the nature and purposes of health program evaluation
• Ability to apply key evaluation concepts in the design and conduct of health program evaluations at an advanced level
• Ability to apply the skills of negotiating the terms and design of an evaluation, data collection and analysis and the provision of evaluative findings to stakeholders at an advanced level
• Ability to critically review evaluation plans
• Ability to apply the elements of small scale program evaluation planning to real situations at an advanced level
• An understanding of the limitation of program evaluation in knowledge building and decision-making at an advanced level.

Satisfactory completion of three minor assignments of 700 words each (10% each) set in weeks 4,8 and 9, a major assignment of 3000 words (an evaluation plan)( 60%) due three weeks after the last session and student contribution in class and through the forum (10%)

1) Hawthorne, G. Introduction to Health Program Evaluation, Centre for Health Program Evaluation, 2000 (provided with subject notes)

2) Ovretveit, J. Evaluating Health Interventions, Buckingham & Philadelphia, Open University Press, 1998.

3) Owen, J.M. Program Evaluation: Forms and Approaches, 2nd Edition, St. Leonards, Allen & Unwin, 1990.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

This subject is a Group 1 elective in the Master of Public Health.