Measuring Outcomes
In 2015, the CDC funded the Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP). The CRCCP’s 30 grantees partner with health system clinics to increase screening for colorectal cancer (CRC). CDC evaluators designed an outcome evaluation to measure changes in CRC screening rates over time.
Evaluating Changes in Clinic-Level CRC Screening Rates
Planning the Outcome Evaluation
CDC used its Framework for Program Evaluation to design an outcome evaluation for the CRCCP. The framework includes—
- Engaging stakeholders.
- Describing the program.
- Focusing the evaluation design.
- Gathering credible evidence.
- Justifying conclusions.
- Ensuring use and lessons learned.
Measuring Changes in CRC Screening Rates
To measure the primary outcome for the CRCCP—CRC screening rates—grantees report clinic-level data for every participating clinic. Data include CRC screening rates reported at baseline and each year of the program.
Providing Tools and Resources
CDC developed tools and resources to help grantees report data to CDC and to strengthen data quality. Tools include a detailed data dictionary, data collection tools, and a guidance document on measuring screening rates in health system clinics.
CRCCP Evaluation At a Glance
- Primary outcome measure: Clinic-level CRC screening rates
- Evaluation framework: CDC’s Framework for Program Evaluation
- Evaluation design: Multiple methods, longitudinal
References
Framework for Program Evaluation
Guide for Measuring Cancer Screening Rates in Clinics
Satsangi A, DeGroff A. Planning a national-level outcome evaluation of the Colorectal Cancer Control Program.external icon Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association 2016;6(suppl 2).