Introduction

As you plan a driving wellness program, consider how you will evaluate the program once it is in place. Evaluations can serve several different functions:

1. Evaluations affect funding
2. Evaluations document achievement
3. Evaluations can help you correct mistakes and maintain program flexibility
4. Good evaluations motivate staff

When choosing an evaluation method, there are four key questions to address in order to assure the utility, feasibility, accuracy and ethics of your evaluation plan:

Is the evaluation:

To evaluate the usefulness and effectiveness of your particular older-driver program, consider organizing focus groups in which participants can discuss their opinions and experiences. Focus groups are just one of many methods of evaluation. A group conducting an evaluation must decide if focus groups are an appropriate method to use. Before you choose a methodology, you can review the CDC’s Framework for Program Evaluation in Pubic Health, which follows these six steps:¹

In steps one through three, you will clarify the purpose and goals of your evaluation before choosing a methodology. A more detailed review of this plan is included in Chapter 5 of the Physical Activity module on this website.

This chapter will help you plan, organize and conduct focus group sessions so that you can start getting feedback about your program.

¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1999) Framework for Program Evaluation in Public Health. MMWR. Available at CDC on the World Wide Web: www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/handbook/index.htm.