The key objective of any change project is ensuring that the original goals set have been met. As such, it is crucial that an assessment regarding the development and progress of the project is done to determine whether there are gains or failures in regards to the key agenda of the undertaking. It is worth noting that project evaluation is essential since the results produced are usually credible, timely, objective and relevant (Newcomer, Hatry & Wholey, 2015). The information collected during the assessment course is supposed to be congruent with how evaluation data was collected and analyzed. Another importance of conducting an effective evaluation is based on the comprehension that it is such a process that procedural improvements can be made, alignment of the project with the initial financial outlay can be done and determining whether contingency plans can be developed in the event that the initial process has not produced the intended results (Brinkerhoff et al., 2012).
According to our program, the main agenda is to address the levels of pain in post cancer treatment patients. As such, the overall evaluation objective will be to determine whether the levels of pain amongst this group of patients will reduce in the long run after the application of massage therapy on them. This objective can be achieved if attention is given to the different evaluation methods that are currently in place.
Methods used to evaluate the project’s effectiveness
The first evaluation technique is the process-based method which addresses the attempts by the responsible care providers in seeing to it that the objectives of the project have been achieved (Royse, Thyer & Padgett, 2015). Therefore, the key area which will need to be addressed is how combining different massage techniques will result in desired outcomes on the patient. The second evaluation technique is the goal-based method which carries out an assessment of the extent that the project has gone in achieving the original goal of improved pain rates amongst cancer patients. The major evaluation items according to this technique are ensuring that the proposed program has been carried out in accordance with the set timelines, priorities, resources and future intended plans of the project. The third evaluation technique is the outcome-based methodology which in our case will look at the extent to which oncology care nurses will have stuck to the appropriate massage techniques which are crucial in restoring the post cancer treatment patients to their original state (Royse, Thyer & Padgett, 2015). From the foregoing, therefore, all these program evaluation methods are aimed at ensuring that the original objectives of the project have been achieved and that these groups of patients are able to come out of the oncology care unit within the shortest time possible.
Project variables to be assessed
Based on the fact that this program is targeted at reducing the levels of pain amongst cancer patients, the evaluation process will be pegged on the pain reduction levels. The variables which will need to be given the required attention will include the rates of pain amongst these patients, nurses’ attitudes towards the project, and the usage of the required resources. In regards to the levels of pain, the main points to consider will be whether patients will have experienced relief after the process or not. Decreased levels of pain after the patient has been provided with the appropriate massage technique in accordance with where the pain is emanating from will mean that the project has been successful. On the contrary, if the patients continue to experience higher pain levels even after they have been provided with the required massage technique, it will mean that the objectives of the project are not being met and as such, another massage technique will be essential in such a situation.
Secondly, the attitude of the nurses towards the intended project will serve as another method of carrying out assessments on the program. The realization that there are bound to be some form of resistance to change will mean that the objectives of such a process may not be met as intended. If oncology care nurses are not well educated on the importance of applying massage therapy rather than traditional analgesics in addressing cancer pain, chances are that they are bound to act negatively towards the project thus compromising the gains expected. However, if proper education is provided to these nurses, then the project will be a success since the nurses will be working towards ensuring improved outcomes on the patients. Thirdly, the resource requirements will also be used as metrics in determining the success of the project. If the project can be completed in accordance with the budget and personnel requirements, it will mean that the whole process will have been successful. On the contrary, if additional funds and staff will be required to complete the program, it will mean that the resources will have been overstretched thus compromising the achievement of project objectives. Such a realization will mean that the program is not running according to the original plan.
Employing this assessment tool in the care provision process will assist the nurse administrator in determining the gains which the project will have made in regards to the management of pain amongst cancer patients. If for example the project is rolled out according to the stipulated budget lines, it will mean that no extra costs are being incurred in ensuring lower pain levels on these patients and as such, the objectives of the program will have been achieved. The information gathered from this tool will be used in determining whether the program ought to be terminated or not.
Education tools
It is equally important to educate the participants of the project regarding the steps it will have made development wise. To achieve this objective, there is the need to have in place the necessary tools which will be employed in the education process. Such tools will include flyers posters, and brochures containing information regarding the contents of the project and the extent of the evaluation process (Rodgers, Withycombe & Hockenberry, 2014). It will be easier for participants to understand the contents of the project if they have all the information required in the implementation process.
Questionnaire
What are the rates of pain among the patients?
If high, what are the corrective mechanisms?
Has the project been rolled out according to the budget?
Are there additional costs on this project?
Are care providers accommodative of the program?
References
Brinkerhoff, R. O., Brethower, D. M., Nowakowski, J., & Hluchyj, T. (Eds.). (2012). Program evaluation: A practitioner’s guide for trainers and educators(Vol. 2). Springer Science & Business Media.
Newcomer, K. E., Hatry, H. P., & Wholey, J. S. (2015). Handbook of practical program evaluation. John Wiley & Sons.
Rodgers, C., Withycombe, J. S., & Hockenberry, M. J. (2014). Evidence-based practice projects in pediatric oncology nursing. Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, 31(4), 182-184.
Royse, D., Thyer, B. A., & Padgett, D. K. (2015). Program evaluation: An introduction to an evidence-based approach. Cengage Learning.
