Step 1: Engage Stakeholders The First Step In The CDC Framew

Step 1 Engage Stakeholders The First Step In The Cdc Framework A

The first step in the CDC Framework approach to program evaluation is to engage the stakeholders. Stakeholders are individuals or organizations invested in the program, interested in the evaluation results, or having a stake in how the results are used. Engaging stakeholders is fundamental for effective program evaluation, ensuring their needs and interests are represented throughout the process.

In public health programs, key stakeholders typically fall into three groups: those involved in program operations such as management, staff, partners, funding agencies, and coalition members; those served or affected by the program, including patients, advocacy groups, community members, and elected officials; and those who are the intended users of the evaluation findings, such as decision-makers, funding agencies, and the public. These categories are not mutually exclusive; individuals may belong to multiple groups. Broad and inclusive identification of stakeholders allows for comprehensive engagement.

Potential stakeholders in public health programs are diverse and include program managers and staff, coalitions at various levels, local grantees, advocacy partners, government agencies, educational institutions, businesses, healthcare providers, community organizations, private citizens, critics, and representatives from disproportionately affected populations. Recognizing this diversity ensures a more accurate and holistic evaluation process.

Stakeholders are critical throughout the evaluation process; they can support or hinder efforts before, during, and after data collection. Their involvement increases the likelihood that evaluation questions are relevant, that the results will be utilized, and that the evaluation is credible and ethical. Engaging stakeholders who can influence the program’s success—such as those responsible for implementation, advocates, or funders—helps secure support and facilitates meaningful use of the findings. Additionally, involving participants and affected populations ensures ethical integrity and perspective diversity.

Tools such as worksheets can assist in identifying key stakeholders by categorizing them into those affected, involved in operations, and those who will use the evaluation results. These worksheets also help understand stakeholders' priorities and perspectives, which can differ—for instance, private physicians may prioritize screening yield, while legislators focus on cost-effectiveness. Questions posed to stakeholders during planning include their representation, importance to them, program priorities, expected progress, the critical evaluation questions, intended use of results, and potential contributions of resources.

Stakeholder perspectives influence every step of the CDC framework, from describing the program to focusing the evaluation, justifying conclusions, and ensuring the use of results. Stakeholders can be engaged in various capacities, such as contributing to development of questions, data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Inclusion of coalition members, critics, and even opposition can enrich the evaluation process—though caution should be exercised when engaging critics, understanding their motives to use the evaluation constructively.

A participatory approach, incorporating collaboration among diverse stakeholders, is increasingly recognized as effective. It aligns inquiry with stakeholder needs and emphasizes equity and justice, as outlined in guidelines by organizations like the Royal Society of Canada. Traditional research and evaluation methods may need adaptation to meet participatory principles, fostering capacity-building and policy impact.

Standards for Engaging Stakeholders

• Utility: Identify who will use the results.
• Feasibility: Assess the time and effort available for stakeholder engagement.
• Propriety: Ensure consultative, ethical engagement of stakeholders.
• Accuracy: Engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders to accurately reflect the program.

Checklist for Engaging Stakeholders

• Identify stakeholders according to categories: affected individuals, operational participants, and users of results.
• Review and refine the stakeholder list, focusing on those necessary for credibility, implementation, advocacy, or funding decisions.
• Engage stakeholders or their representatives directly.
• Create an involvement plan, specifying areas for stakeholder input.
• Target key stakeholders for ongoing participation in the evaluation process, including question development and dissemination.

Sample Worksheets

Worksheet 1A: Identifying Key Stakeholders

Worksheet 1B: What Matters to Stakeholders

Participants should specify which components or outcomes are most important to each stakeholder group, informing evaluation focus and data collection strategies.

Paper For Above instruction

The initial and crucial step in the CDC’s program evaluation framework is the engagement of stakeholders. Stakeholders are persons or organizations directly invested in or affected by the program and its evaluation, thereby emphasizing the importance of involving their perspectives throughout the process. Their active participation enhances the relevance, credibility, and utilization of evaluation findings. In public health, stakeholders span various categories including program staff, community members, policymakers, funders, and individuals directly impacted by the program outcomes.

The diverse nature of stakeholders necessitates broad identification efforts. For example, roles range from operational entities such as health departments, healthcare providers, and coalition members, to those served or influenced by the program, such as patients, advocacy groups, and community organizations, and finally to those who will consume or act upon the evaluation results—government agencies and the general public. Recognizing overlaps among these groups is vital for comprehensive engagement. Using tools like stakeholder worksheets, evaluators can organize these groups based on their relationship to the program and prioritize key stakeholders essential for evaluation success.

Engagement is not a one-time activity but a continuous process that influences every stage of the evaluation. Stakeholders support or impede evaluation efforts before, during, and after data collection. Their involvement in defining the evaluation questions ensures that the focus remains aligned with those most affected or involved in the program’s success. Engaging stakeholders fosters ownership, enhances data quality, and increases the likelihood of results being used effectively.

To facilitate effective stakeholder engagement, evaluators must consider several standards: Utility, ensuring results meet stakeholder needs; Feasibility, considering resource constraints; Propriety, maintaining ethical and inclusive practices; and Accuracy, involving a sufficiently broad range of stakeholders to accurately depict the program. Clear plans for stakeholder involvement include identifying key participants, outlining their roles, and maintaining consistent communication throughout the evaluation process.

Furthermore, involving stakeholders like program staff, critics, and community representatives enriches the evaluation process. Stakeholders can help craft evaluation questions, develop data collection tools, and disseminate findings. For instance, providers may prioritize measuring clinical outcomes, while community members may focus on program accessibility and cultural appropriateness. This inclusive approach ensures that evaluation results are meaningful and applicable.

A participatory evaluation approach, which emphasizes collaboration and stakeholder engagement at every level, is particularly effective in public health. It aligns with principles of social justice and equity, fostering shared ownership and capacity building. Such approaches advocate for adapting traditional evaluation methods to meet participatory standards, ensuring that research outcomes are relevant for policy and practice outcomes.

Implementing stakeholder engagement also involves practical considerations. A well-designed engagement plan includes identifying stakeholders, understanding their priorities, and defining their roles in the evaluation. Regular communication and feedback loops are essential to keep stakeholders informed and involved. When critics or opposition exist, engaging them ethically and transparently can illuminate potential challenges and provide opportunities for strengthening program strategies.

In summary, stakeholder engagement is foundational in the CDC evaluation framework. It ensures the evaluation addresses the needs and concerns of all relevant parties, increases support, improves data relevance, and promotes the application of findings. By systematically identifying, involving, and listening to stakeholders, evaluators improve both the process and outcomes of public health program assessments.

References

1. CDC. (2011). Framework for Program Evaluation in Public Health. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 54(RR-11), 1-40.
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6. World Health Organization. (2011). Participatory approaches in health sector evaluation. WHO Press.
7. Weiss, C. H. (1998). Evaluation: Methods for Studying Programs and Policies. Prentice Hall.
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