Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

Which evaluation phase occurs after program implementation to determine if objectives were met?

1. Formative evaluation

2. Summative evaluation

3. Continuous evaluation

4. Comparative evaluation

The correct answer is: Summative evaluation

The phase that occurs after program implementation to determine if objectives were met is called summative evaluation. This type of evaluation focuses on assessing the outcomes and impacts of a program, allowing public health professionals to determine the effectiveness of the program in achieving its stated goals. It typically involves collecting and analyzing data to evaluate the overall success and efficiency of the program, which can be essential for accountability, future funding, and program improvement. In contrast, formative evaluation is conducted during the development and early implementation phases of a program. Its main purpose is to provide feedback for improving the program's design and processes rather than measuring the final outcomes. Continuous evaluation refers to an ongoing assessment of the program as it is being implemented, focusing on real-time data collection and adjustments, while comparative evaluation would involve comparing outcomes between different populations or programs, often to identify best practices or strategies, but not specifically focused on the post-implementation assessment of program effectiveness. Thus, summative evaluation is specifically aligned with the goal of measuring outcomes after the program has been put into action, providing valuable insights into whether the objectives have been met.