221.645.01 LARGE-SCALE EFFECTIVENESS EVALUATIONS OF HEALTH PROGRAMS

Reviews the global efforts and methodological challenges in conducting large-scale effectiveness evaluations in health, emphasizing maternal and child health in low and middle income countries. Explores frequently-used approaches for data collection in impact evaluations. Discusses interpretation of results and attribution of observed changes to the program being evaluated. Includes operational arrangements of large-scale evaluations and interactions with policymakers.

This course will prepare you to be able to do the following: (1) explain the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of large-scale health programs; (2) prepare a conceptual model linking program inputs to health impact; (3) describe the main methodological approaches and methods for data collection; (4) interpret the results of the evaluation and discuss whether these can be attributed to the program; (5) communicate effectively with policymakers and implementers throughout the evaluation cycle.