Recorded presentation

Sabine Jean-Walker, MA, Elizabeth Riggs, MPH, Donald Eisnor, Lila Herndon Vizzard, MPH, and Scott D. Berns, MD, MPH. National Office, March of Dimes, 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605, 914-997-4494, sjean-walker@marchofdimes.com

The March of Dimes through its network of 54 chapters implements program activities to improve the health of babies at the national and local levels. As part of the annual program planning and evaluation process, chapters submit a work plan describing their program activities and later report on outcomes through an online survey.

A national review of chapter program planning, which included input from chapters, indicated that chapters wanted additional technical assistance in the area of program planning and evaluation in order to improve overall effective data collection. Specific areas noted to be in need of improvement included: (1) No standard format for plans, (2) Wide range in quality of plans, (3) Time burden for chapter staff and volunteers, and (4) No direct link between plans and evaluation survey.

In order to address these issues, the national office developed a web-based system to streamline the program planning, tracking and reporting process. The system includes a standard set of program tracking sections and subsections along with templated language for problem statements, goals, objectives and activities that chapters can customize. Additional features include the ability to note comments, accomplishments and special initiatives that do not fit within the categorization system. The new system: (1) Improves the quality and timeliness of data, (2) Enhances the quality and measurability of activities, (3) Reduces chapter burden and (4) Facilitates outcomes-focused reporting.

This presentation will cover the process of developing the system, including input from users, successes and challenges faced, and implications for similar projects.

Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to
• Discuss the steps involved in developing an electronic system for program planning and evaluation.
• Identify ways in which the system can be applied to similar community-based initiatives interested in strengthening their planning and evaluation efforts.

Keywords: Planning, Evaluation

Related Web page: www.marchofdimes.com

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: March of Dimes
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am employed by the March of Dimes

Recorded presentation

Developing A Community-based Infrastructure For Assessment, Planning, And Evaluation-II

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA