Program Evaluation: For Healthcare Systems and Educational Programs

Leaders regularly engage in evaluation of programs, processes, and structures to identify their relative efficacy and determine changes that might be needed. Fitzpatrick (2004) notes that qualitative and quantitative methods be used cooperatively in program evaluation given that "diverse frameworks offer a richness of perspectives... especially if one uses evaluation approaches eclectically." This book compares and contrasts the underlying philosophy, assumptions, and components of quantitative and qualitative approaches to program evaluation. In addition, a description of how one might design a program evaluation employing a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches is examined for professionals and leaders in health-related occupations.