Formative and Process Evaluation of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Programs

Abstract

This article discusses the concepts of formative and process evaluation, and their application in the field of health promotion and disease prevention. Process evaluation fulfills the need for information on program implementation, which is important in interpreting program outcomes, and informing future efforts in similar areas. Formative evaluation aims to help develop and improve programs from an early stage, when opportunities for influence are likely to be greatest. Greater application of formative and process evaluation to such programs in thefuture has the potential to lead to better designed and more effective programs, and improved understanding of the factors influencing program outcomes.