Evaluating a Moving Target: Lessons Learned from Using Practical Participatory Evaluation (P-PE) in Hospital Settings. (September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wharton, Tracy; Alexander, Neil
• Is Part Of: American journal of evaluation. Volume 34:Number 3(2013)
• Page Start: 402
• Page End: 412
• Publication Date: 2013-09
• Subjects: practical participatory evaluation -- feasibility -- hospitals -- inpatient -- turnover; Evaluation -- Periodicals; Public administration -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; Educational evaluation -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Methodology -- Periodicals; 300.72
• DOI: 10.1177/1098214013477728
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1098-2140

Abstract

This article describes lessons learned about implementing evaluations in hospital settings. In order to overcome the methodological dilemmas inherent in this environment, we used a practical participatory evaluation (P-PE) strategy to engage as many stakeholders as possible in the process of evaluating a clinical demonstration project. Demonstration projects, in this context, push the envelope about what is known about effectiveness in novel settings, and turnover of staff and patient populations can present challenges to gathering optimal data. By using P-PE, we built capacity in the environment while expanding possibilities for data collection. Suggestions are made based on our experience.