Using prospective and retrospective methods to establish the impacts of an intervention or change in service.

Everyone agrees evaluation is essential - for existing services as well as new or innovative ones.  In addition commissioners often need to assess a range of services as part of the planning process.

The public health projects team contribute to service evaluations in several ways.  We evaluate new initiatives or interventions on behalf of a project steering group. We advise on setting up evaluation at the start of a new service or pilot; including the data items to best meet the project objectives.

Where there are a number of new initiatives in an area, we have developed an evaluation framework that both guides project leaders and supports planning decisions for the commissioners.  Examples of areas in which we have worked include: intermediate care, clinics in general practice, and Primary Medical Services pilots.

The public health projects team has the skills and expertise to bring together all the key stakeholders to explore the processes of the project as well as analyse large data sets such as admission and discharge data.