Process evaluation is particularly useful to monitor new programmes or services and focuses on describing the process of developing and implementing a particular initiative.
The information collected for a process evaluation typically includes:
- interview-based data from staff involved in the project.
- interview data from community members who are aware of or use the programme
- programme materials as these are developed/revised (e.g. intake, consent, observation forms).
- reviews of minutes from meetings pertaining to the programme.
- data on the initial use of the programme. Staff can document outputs by counting the number and types of services each programme participant receives. They will also measure the length of time each participant remains in the programme (i.e. number of days in the shelter) and monitor the frequency with which the participant uses particular services (i.e. number of group sessions attended).
The interview data is systematically reviewed to compile information that is useful for revising the programme, improving staff training, responding to women’s feedback and confirming community need for the programme.
For example, a process evaluation of a new counseling programme within a shelter may help determine whether shelter staff are able to accurately assess and identify trauma-related concerns of children receiving services. It might also identify barriers to implementation of the programme as these occur and suggest solutions for eliminating such barriers.