PUP037 Health Promotion 4: Program Evaluation


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Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:PUP037
Credit points:12
Coordinator:Karen Menigoz | k.menigoz@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

Evaluation is a crucial aspect of health promotion and public health work. Within the health sector there is strong competition for funding from the government and non-government sectors. The need to use evidence upon which to make judgments about programs and influence policy rests increasingly on robust evaluations. This unit will advance your knowledge and application of evaluation techniques.
This unit is in the developmental stage of your course and furthers your knowledge and skills developed in prior units. PUP037 provides you with opportunities to build, practise and provide evidence of your analysis and problem-solving skills for developing a health promotion program evaluation plan. You will conduct a small-scale evaluation of a health program based on theory and the evidence.
The unit should be taken either concurrently with PUP034 or after it as PUP037 assumes that you are currently receiving or have prior knowledge in health program planning principles.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Apply principles from a program evaluation framework;
  2. Conduct a stakeholders analysis;
  3. Construct an evaluation plan to address a real world problem.

Content

The content of this unit is divided into four modules that reflect the steps to evaluation used in the international evaluation frameworks used in the unit.
Module 1 introduces you to evaluation, outlines the importance of evaluation and guides you through effective planning for evaluation.

Module 2 assists you in describing the health problem strategies. Methods for constructing goals and objectives and a program logic model are included as these are essential components to describing the program. You are also guided in conducting a stakeholder analysis.

Module 3 addresses the evaluation design and techniques for collecting evaluation data for outcome, impact and process evaluations.

The final module provides additional information on the evaluation process, including issues of meeting accuracy and propriety standards and ensuring that your findings will be used and shared.

Learning Approaches

This unit provides a solid foundation in health program evaluation principles and critical thinking skills in applying these principles to address a real world problem. Case based learning is a form of problem based learning and is selected in this unit because of its potential to promote active learning. Problem based learning develops self- directed learning and autonomy through student centred activities in an online self-paced, Powerpoint-delivered Study Guide, interactive tutorials, scenarios and case-based exercises for generating solutions.

For practice with the unit concepts and feedback on your work, you will participate in a 2-hour online class session (or listen later to recordings) through Canvas communication tools. At critical points in the semester, the class sessions are available online and in-person. The online class sessions maximise shared learning and build upon the diverse experiences the student group brings to the unit.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive feedback:
1. From the lecturer during online classes
2. Comments on summative assessment work in addition to criteria sheets
3. Generic feedback to all students on the two summative assessments

Assessment

Overview

The two unit assessments promote higher-order thinking skills and are planned to develop your ability to think critically about the application of program evaluation principles. To develop research proficiency, you are encouraged to undertake evidence-based decision making. Your ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications of that knowledge, as expressed in the unit learning outcomes, will be evaluated in these two assessments.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Professional Plan

Evaluation Plan 1
This assessment covers the initial steps in planning for evaluation according to the international evaluation framework being used in the unit: (1) engaging stakeholders and (2) describing the program.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 40
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Mid semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2

Assessment: Professional Plan

Evaluation Plan 2
This assessment covers the final steps in planning for evaluation according to the international evaluation framework being used in the unit: (3) focusing the evaluation design; (4) gathering and analysing data; (5) justifying conclusions; and (6) using and sharing lessons learned.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 60
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): End semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 3

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources





Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

McKenzie, J.F., Neigle, B.L., & Thackeray, R. (2017). Planning, Implementing and Evaluating Health Promotion Programs: A Primer (7th ed.). Boston: Pearson.

Prescribed Text (also used in PUP034)

Other

The additional costs associated with undertaking this unit include:
1. Purchase of the prescribed textbook
2. Headset to participate in online class sessions
3. Internet volume usage
4. You are to cover your own costs to participate in class sessions.

Risk Assessment Statement

Substantial computer-based work will be required. You should ensure that your workstation is adjusted and that regular rest breaks are taken if engaging in prolonged computer-based work. There are no other out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

PU60 Graduate Diploma in Public Health

  1. Critically analyse and synthesise the specialised knowledge, theories and frameworks of public health practice
    Relates to: Professional Plan, Professional Plan
  2. Apply advanced oral, written and technical communication and academic skills to professional practice
    Relates to: Professional Plan
  3. Promote efficient and equitable gains in population health through culturally-safe, evidence-based practice.
    Relates to: Professional Plan

PU86 Master of Public Health

  1. Critically analyse, synthesise and apply the specialised knowledge,theories and frameworks of public health practice
    Relates to: Professional Plan, Professional Plan
  2. Apply advanced oral,written and technical communication and research literacy skills to professional practice in interprofessional teams
    Relates to: Professional Plan
  3. Engage professionally to advance efficient and equitable gains in population health through leadership and culturally-safe, evidence-based practice.
    Relates to: Professional Plan