Gauging alignments : an ethnographyically informed method for process evaluation in a community-based intervention
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Date
2011
Authors
Lee, Bonnie K.
Lockett, Donna
Edwards, Nancy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Canadian Evaluation Society
Abstract
Community-based projects feature multidimensional interventions
and interactions within unpredictable contexts. Process
evaluations can shed light on variability in outcomes across sites
and the reasons why some project outcomes fall short of expectations.
The authors present an ethnographically informed study
of the interactive project components in a pilot community-based
falls prevention project that was implemented in 4 communities
across Canada. Ethnographic descriptions and analyses of
alignments between multilevelled project components allowed
the researchers to better understand the mechanisms of project
evolution at each site and variations in project momentum, mobilization,
and sustainability across sites. Primary data sources
consisted of project teleconference transcripts triangulated with
log notes, field notes, and interviews. Descriptions and analyses
of alignments may be instrumental to process evaluation.
Project adjustments could then be made accordingly in propelling
progress toward program objectives, informing program decisions,
and in making sense of variability in program outcomes. Further
exploration and operationalization of the alignment concept is
recommended to advance knowledge about how to conduct process
evaluations of complex interventions.
Description
Keywords
Community-based intervention--Canada , Public health--Research , Community health services--Canada , Ethnology--Comparative method , Nursing--Research
Citation
"Gauging alignments: an ethnographically informed method for process evaluation in a community-based intervention". The Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation. 25(2) p. 1–27. 2011.