CES - SCÉ 2019

Multi-site interventions are complex and pose unique challenges for program evaluation. Choices is a substance use prevention program for at-risk youth, offered at 9 agencies serving distinct communities across Ontario. In an effort to understand the current state of the Choices program in Ontario, a process evaluation was conducted by the Provincial System Support Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Process evaluation can be a useful tool for evaluators to understand key characteristics of an intervention, implementation barriers and/or facilitators, and contextual factors impacting program delivery. Drawing on the Choices program as an example, the presenter will describe how a provincial process evaluation was completed by a system intermediary. Topics include evaluation design, data collection/analysis, and dissemination strategies. Considerations for future process evaluations are highlighted, such as the need for stakeholder engagement and project management.