Current Public Health Program Evaluation Practices within the United States Army: Strategies, Methods, and Challenges

Hundreds of programs, operating at local and higher levels, exist to address a variety of health behaviors and outcomes among Soldiers and military beneficiaries. Historically, programs and initiatives have been implemented without evaluation. However, with budgetary reductions, military and governmental leadership have increasingly required that program administrators demonstrate program effectiveness, efficiency, and achievement of objectives and outcomes.  The U.S. Army Public Health Command (USAPHC) is one Department of Defense (DOD) organization that partners with a variety of military and non-military stakeholders to conduct evaluations and assessments of policies, programs, and campaigns affecting the health and wellness of Soldiers and their Families. Using a public health process adapted for military culture and needs, the USAPHC utilizes a range of methods including literature reviews, evaluability assessments, needs assessments, process evaluations, outcome evaluations, and systematic reviews to build the evidence base in support of Army public health and health promotion initiatives. This session will provide examples and practical applications of these methodologies to problems such as tobacco use, injury, and behavioral health in military environments.  The  session will also explore the advantages and challenges of performing such work within the U.S. military and will compare and contrast civilian public health practices and military systems, and how the two can work together to improve the health, readiness, and resilience of U.S. Army Soldiers.