In this area of responsibility, we begin to conduct evaluation and research related to the health education program implemented. The evaluation plan consists of identifying the overall purpose of the plan and its corresponding goals. It is in this area that a logic model is created as well, which is done to direct and guide the evaluation process. Deciphering the type of data to be collected is necessary to start the research plan, which is developed to gain more insight into the target audience and to ultimately improve the program. This consists of collecting related literature, synthesizing that literature, developing research questions and hypothesis, identifying the limitations of the research, identifying research participants, developing a participant sampling plan, developing data collection procedures, and developing a data analysis research plan. It is important to identify which instruments are going to be used in collecting the data, and that they are valid and produce reliable data as well. When the evaluation and research plan is in place, along with the chosen reliable instruments, it is then that we can collect and manage data, followed by analyzing the data using inferential and descriptive statistical methods and technology (e.g. SPSS, which is a software application meaning Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), and then finally interpret the results. In the interpretation stage, we can compare our findings to that of other research studies. We are also now able to see the relationship between our hypothesis and our findings or results of the study, and limitations are assessed and conclusions are drawn. Last, is the application stage of this area. We apply these findings to our program by communicating and disseminating the results to all parties involved through various methods. It is important to receive and listen to feedback from the priority population, partners, and stakeholders in order to improve the program. As always, during this entire practice, it is imperative we abide by all ethical principles of the research process.

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Unfortunately, so far working with the Northwest Florida Cancer Control Collaborative (NWFCCC), we (the grant administrators) personally have conducted little research related to our health education program. More research is done at the state level identifying the need for cancer resources to be granted the funding from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for all six collaborative regions in Florida. However, we do heavily consider evidence based practices when implementing activities and events, providing education, and sharing materials with the community as it is required of us to do so. The little data that we have collected (4.4) is from prospective members who show an interest in becoming a resource and/or a part of the collaborative. On our new website, we have a page titled “Join Our Resource Directory” where we ask those who are interested in becoming a resource or member to provide information such as their name, organization, email, phone, website, address, participation options, resources, company logo, cancer service type, cancer type, resource type, and represented county. This is our instrument (4.3) in collecting data regarding growing our resource and membership base. This information is then stored in WordPress as it is collected, where it can be exported into an excel spreadsheet by the program administrators and then further organized accordingly (4.4.4). As resources are added, we communicate these findings (4.7.1) to all collaborative members via email and meeting conference calls and receive feedback as well (4.7.2). This allows us to create an accurate and current resource directory for our target population when they are searching for services, help, and support on our website (4.7.4).

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Artifacts:

NWFCCC Member Resource Directory

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