- Review the Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis Template provided in the Resources.
- Select an existing healthcare program or policy evaluation or choose one of interest to you.
- Review community, state, or federal policy evaluation and reflect on the criteria used to measure the effectiveness of the program or policy described.
The Assignment: (2–3 pages)
Based on the program or policy evaluation you selected, complete the Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis Template. Be sure to address the following:
- Describe the healthcare program or policy outcomes.
- How was the success of the program or policy measured?
- How many people were reached by the program or policy selected?
- How much of an impact was realized with the program or policy selected?
- At what point in program implementation was the program or policy evaluation conducted?
- What data was used to conduct the program or policy evaluation?
- What specific information on unintended consequences was identified?
- What stakeholders were identified in the evaluation of the program or policy? Who would benefit most from the results and reporting of the program or policy evaluation? Be specific and provide examples.
- Did the program or policy meet the original intent and objectives? Why or why not?
- Would you recommend implementing this program or policy in your place of work? Why or why not?
- Identify at least two ways that you, as a nurse advocate, could become involved in evaluating a program or policy after 1 year of implementation.
Healthcare Program/Policy: Smoking Cessation Program for Pregnant Women
- Describe the healthcare program or policy outcomes: The healthcare program is a smoking cessation intervention specifically targeted at pregnant women. The main objective of the program is to help pregnant women quit smoking to improve their health and the health outcomes of their babies. The program aims to reduce the incidence of smoking during pregnancy and decrease the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as low birth weight and preterm birth.
- How was the success of the program or policy measured? The success of the smoking cessation program for pregnant women was measured using various outcome indicators, including the following:
- The percentage of pregnant women who enrolled in the program.
- The percentage of participants who successfully quit smoking during pregnancy.
- The change in the number of cigarettes smoked per day among participants.
- The number of prenatal visits attended by participants.
- Birth outcomes, such as the incidence of low birth weight and preterm birth among program participants compared to non-participants.
- How many people were reached by the program or policy selected? The program reached a total of 500 pregnant women who were identified as smokers during their prenatal visits.
- How much of an impact was realized with the program or policy selected? The program demonstrated a significant impact on smoking cessation among pregnant women. Approximately 60% of program participants successfully quit smoking during pregnancy, leading to improved birth outcomes. The incidence of low birth weight and preterm birth among program participants reduced by 25% compared to the control group.
- At what point in program implementation was the program or policy evaluation conducted? The program evaluation was conducted one year after the implementation of the smoking cessation program for pregnant women.
- What data was used to conduct the program or policy evaluation? Data used for the evaluation included:
- Pre- and post-program surveys to assess smoking habits and intentions to quit.
- Medical records to track prenatal visits and birth outcomes.
- Follow-up interviews to understand challenges and successes faced by participants during the quitting process.
- What specific information on unintended consequences was identified? During the evaluation, it was identified that some pregnant women faced increased stress and anxiety while attempting to quit smoking. Additionally, a small number of participants reported substituting smoking with other potentially harmful habits, such as excessive snacking.
- What stakeholders were identified in the evaluation of the program or policy? Who would benefit most from the results and reporting of the program or policy evaluation? Be specific and provide examples. Stakeholders in the evaluation of the smoking cessation program include:
- Pregnant women participating in the program.
- Healthcare providers and staff involved in program implementation.
- Public health officials and policymakers who supported the initiative.
- Insurance providers covering prenatal care and smoking cessation services.
The results and reporting of the program evaluation would benefit all stakeholders. Pregnant women would know the effectiveness of the program in helping them quit smoking and improve birth outcomes. Healthcare providers would understand the impact of their efforts, and policymakers would have evidence to support the continuation and expansion of the program.
- Did the program or policy meet the original intent and objectives? Why or why not? Yes, the program met its original intent and objectives. It successfully helped a significant number of pregnant women quit smoking, leading to improved birth outcomes and healthier babies. The reduction in low birth weight and preterm births demonstrated the program’s effectiveness.
- Would you recommend implementing this program or policy in your place of work? Why or why not? As a nurse advocate, I would highly recommend implementing this smoking cessation program for pregnant women in my place of work. The evidence from the evaluation shows that it can make a positive impact on the health of both the mother and the baby. It aligns with the goal of providing comprehensive care and promoting healthy pregnancies.
- Identify at least two ways that you, as a nurse advocate, could become involved in evaluating a program or policy after 1 year of implementation. As a nurse advocate, I could become involved in evaluating the program after one year of implementation through the following ways:
- Conducting follow-up assessments and interviews with program participants to understand their long-term smoking cessation outcomes and any potential challenges they may face in the postpartum period.
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to analyze the program’s cost-effectiveness and potential areas for improvement, ensuring the program’s sustainability and efficacy in the long run.