Health Program Evaluation 1

This subject is not offered in 2014.

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

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website.

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.

On completion of this subject students will have:

• 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 limitations of program evaluation in knowledge building and decision-making at an advanced level.

Two minor assignments (1000 words) due weeks 4 and 8 (15% each; total of 30%)

One major assignment - an evaluation plan (3000 words) due in the examination period (70%)

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

Owen, J.M. Program Evaluation: Forms and Approaches, 3rd Edition, St. Leonards, Allen & Unwin, 2006.

Ovretveit, J. (2002). Action evaluation of health programmes and changes: a handbook for a user. Abingdon: Radcliffe Medical Press

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Upon completion of this subject, students will have developed skills in:

• Critical thinking and analysis,
• Initiative, autonomy and organization,
• Problem-solving,
• Finding, evaluating and using relevant information,
• Written communication,
• Decision-making.