As health professionals we want our work
to improve health outcomes for our
patients and our population. Whether
we're developing a new program, improving
a service or preparing to evaluate our
work, program logic can help. A program
logic model is a visual tool that tells
the story of how a program should work.
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It shows what resources will be used and
what activities will be done with those
resources.
It outlines the products, goods and
services that will result from the
activities and describes the short and
intermediate term impacts of those
activities. Finally, it shows the
long-term outcomes the program is
expected to achieve. Developing a program
logic model can help ensure that what we
do creates the change we want to see. It
helps guide our evaluations so they
inform program decisions. A program logic
model is also useful for engaging
stakeholders in the design or evaluation
of a program, communicating the intent of
a program and its rationale,
identifying and explaining the links
between different program components,
revealing and testing assumptions,
guiding program implementation,
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helping frame an evaluation of the
process, impacts and outcomes of a
program. This includes what evaluation
questions to ask, what information is
needed to answer these questions, and
when to collect data. The best time to
develop a program logic model is at the
start of a program. Although not ideal it
can also be done when a program is
already underway. The model is best
created by working together with a range
of people who understand the program or
issue. This helps to ensure the model is
relevant and to create a shared sense of
ownership and accountability. One way to
start is to list possible impacts and
outcomes. These are what you think the
program will achieve. Then sequence the
achievements from
short-term impacts to intermediate
impacts and long-term outcomes. Next,
decide what products and services need
to be provided to achieve these outcomes,
then think about the activities that are
needed to generate these outputs.
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Next, identify what resources are needed
to deliver these activities.
Lastly, review the logic underlying the
program and identify and test any
assumptions made. Here are a few things
to consider when developing your model.
Think about the broad range of
influences that will affect your
outcomes. Consider addressing multiple
impacts in order to achieve meaningful
change at the outcome level. Be aware
that program outcomes may take a long
time to achieve. Be realistic about what
can be achieved within your timeframe
and available resources, and as things
change over time review and revise your
model to ensure it remains relevant.
Program logic provides a sound basis for
the design ,implementation and evaluation
of health programs.
It helps us achieve our anticipated
impacts and outcomes. To get started,
talk to your manager, talk to your
organisation's research and evaluation
support people, or refer to these guides
and tools.
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