Using Action Research to Build Evaluation Capacity in Public Health Organizations

Abstract

Background: New practice standards in Ontario require the ongoing evaluation of public health programs. However, public health units have limited capacity to conduct and use evaluations.   Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess an action research approach as a means to build evaluation capacity in public health units.   Setting: 36 Canadian public health units in Ontario.   Intervention: Action research for evaluation capacity building.   Research Design: Multiple-case study.   Data Collection and Analysis: Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were held with study participants after the design and implementation of evaluation capacity building strategies in their organizations. Analysis was conducted using the general inductive approach (Thomas, 2006).   Findings: Evaluation capacity building is well-supported by an action research approach.