Healthcare Program Policy Evaluation Analysis Templat 047923

Healthcare Programpolicy Evaluation Analysis Templateuse This Documen

Use this document to complete the Module 5 Assessment Assessing a Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation

Describe the healthcare program or policy evaluated, including how success was measured, the number of people reached, impact, data used, unintended consequences identified, stakeholders involved, and whether it met its objectives. Discuss whether you would recommend implementation in your workplace and suggest two ways as a nurse advocate to engage in program evaluation after one year of implementation.

Paper For Above instruction

The evaluation of healthcare programs and policies is critical for ensuring they effectively meet the needs of the populations they intend to serve while also utilizing resources efficiently. A prominent example of such a program is the Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF) initiative, a legislative and community-based effort aimed at strengthening families, preventing unnecessary separations, and promoting child welfare. This paper critically examines the PSSF program, its evaluation metrics, stakeholder involvement, outcomes, and the role nurses can play in ongoing assessment and advocacy.

The PSSF program, established under Title IV-B subpart 2 of the Social Security Act, emphasizes family preservation, reunification, and permanency for children at risk of foster care placement. Its success has been measured through federal funding allocations, legislative reauthorization, and tangible service provisions. For instance, funding increased from $60 million in 1994 to over $345 million in 2019, reflecting governmental confidence in its effectiveness (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2019). Additionally, program reach is quantified by service data—such as in Colorado in 2016, where over 8,000 children and family members received targeted services like family preservation and reunification support (Colorado Office of Children, Youth, & Families, 2018). The number of children served indicates an extensive impact on vulnerable populations, though actual effect on long-term family stability warrants further evaluation.

To assess its impact, the program relies on data from state and tribal agencies, including annual progress reports linked to state Child and Family Services Plans (CFSP) and performance measures aligned with federal objectives. Program outcome data, such as the number of children reunified or families served, have been analyzed to inform policy adaptations. Moreover, unintended consequences have emerged over time, including an expansion of services into areas like teenage pregnancy prevention through the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) and abstinence education, which sometimes diverts focus and resources from original objectives (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2018). These shifts highlight the need for continuous evaluation to prevent mission drift.

Stakeholder involvement is broad, including government agencies, tribes, families, foster and adoptive parents, healthcare providers, educators, law enforcement, judiciary, and community members. All stakeholders benefit from transparent reporting and outcome evaluations, as these inform future funding, policy adjustments, and resource allocation. For example, healthcare providers and teachers are instrumental in early identification of at-risk children, fostering collaboration with social services (Sarre et al., 2016). The inclusive stakeholder approach enhances program accountability and community trust.

Regarding core objectives, the PSSF program largely achieves its goals of family preservation and child safety, as evidenced by sustained legislative support and increasing service delivery figures. However, the constantly evolving legislative landscape and shifting population needs mean the program's targets are fluid, making definitive assessments complex. From a practical perspective, I would endorse implementing such a program in my community, given its emphasis on family unity and prevention of foster care placement, which aligns with holistic nursing and community health principles (Klein & Sorenson, 2018).

As a nurse advocate, involvement in program evaluation can be multi-faceted. One approach is participating in stakeholder committees that review program metrics and provide frontline insights into patient and family experiences. For example, nurses can advocate for inclusion in evaluation teams to ensure clinical perspectives inform policy modifications. Additionally, nurses can engage with legislators, presenting evidence-based evaluations and emphasizing the nursing perspective on family-centered care, which can influence funding priorities and program adjustments (Brown et al., 2017). These activities promote reflective practice and ensure healthcare initiatives are responsive to real-world needs.

In summary, effective program evaluation requires systematic data collection, stakeholder engagement, and ongoing analysis. The PSSF program exemplifies a multifaceted approach to child welfare, demonstrating significant impact while also revealing areas needing continuous improvement. Nurses, as vital members of the healthcare and community systems, have a crucial role in evaluating and advocating for programs that foster safe, stable family environments. Their expertise in holistic care positions them uniquely to contribute to policy refinement, thereby promoting health and well-being at the community level.

References

  • Brown, L., Smith, J., & Nguyen, T. (2017). Nurse advocacy in health policy development. Journal of Nursing Policy & Practice, 9(2), 45-52.
  • Colorado Office of Children, Youth, & Families. (2018). 2018 Annual Progress and Services Report: Child and Family Services Plan. Colorado Department of Human Services.
  • Klein, S., & Sorenson, C. (2018). Family-centered care in pediatric nursing practice. Pediatric Nursing, 44(2), 66-74.
  • Sarre, J., Garcia, T., & Lee, A. (2016). Interprofessional collaboration in child welfare: The role of nurses. Journal of Community & Public Health Nursing, 33(1), 23-29.
  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2018). Annual Child and Family Services Report. Administration for Children and Families.
  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2019). FY 2019 Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees. Office of the Secretary.
  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Children’s Bureau. (2012). Promoting Safe and Stable Families: Title IV-B, Subpart 2, of the Social Security Act. Retrieved from https://www.acf.hhs.gov.
  • United States Department of Health & Human Services. (2018). Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program overview. https://www.hhs.gov
  • Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (2017). SNAP Helps Millions of Children. https://www.cbpp.org
  • Casey Family Programs. (2011). The Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program: Background and Context. Retrieved from https://www.casey.org

Related Assignments