Approaches to Evaluation

Evaluations can be undertaken in several ways using a variety of techniques. The approach adopted depends on several factors, including:

• The service's aims and objectives
• The service's anticipated outcomes (need to take into account the views of key stakeholders)
• The resources available
• The expertise available
• The time available
• The availability and adequacy of routinely collected data

Evaluations can draw upon both qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data '...describes in words rather than numbers the qualities of social phenomena.' ⁽¹⁾ Examples of qualitative data include individual interviews with the key stakeholders for the service, and facilitated discussions involving groups of key stakeholders (focus groups). By contrast, quantitative data '... involves the collection and analysis of highly structured data.' ⁽¹⁾ Examples include data obtained from questionnaires or measurement scales.

(1): Bowling A. Research methods in health. Investigating health and health services. Second edition. Open University Press, 1997.

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