Recorded presentation

Teresa Doksum, PhD, MPH¹, Susan Foster, MSSW, MPH², Turahn Dorsey, BA¹, Gabriela García, MS, MA¹, and Susanna Ginsburg, MSW¹. (1) Health Services Research and Evaluation, Abt Associates Inc., 55 Wheeler Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, 617-349-2896, teresa_doksum@abtassoc.com, (2) Health Services Research and Evaluation, Abt Associates Inc, 55 Wheeler Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

We are using a participatory evaluation framework to evaluate the Genetics Education Needs Evaluation (GENE) Project. Key stakeholders provided input to the evaluation design after receiving a primer on evaluation concepts and logic models. The purpose of the evaluation is to 1) describe implementation of the GENE Project for dissemination and replication; 2) examine the effectiveness of community-based participatory approaches to genetics education for underserved populations; and 3) to provide feedback to project management for continuous quality improvement. Our first phase of the evaluation focused on the development of partnerships between four national organizations (Health Resources Services Administration, March of Dimes, Family Voices, and the Genetic Alliance), and the engagement of two communities (Flint/Lansing, MI and Washington Heights/Inwood, NY). Based on key stakeholder interviews, meeting observations, and documentation review, the evaluation identified three key activities associated with developing national partnerships: development of realistic project goals and objectives; shared recognition of the importance of genetics education and outreach to underserved communities; and implementation of formal tools to clarify roles and responsibilities. Challenges included changing organizational representatives and lack of organizational structures to identify appropriate local representatives to partner with the communities. Key activities in engaging one community has been active participation of national partner representatives at coalition meetings; challenges included balancing a participatory approach with the provision of technical assistance.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key activities associated with effective engagement and partnership between national and community partners to develop and implement genetics education for underserved communities.

Keywords: Evaluation, Partnerships

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Abt Associates Inc.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation