Consumer-focused data collection in prevention program evaluation. Rationale and illustrations

Abstract

This article presents a rationale for consumer-focused data collection at multiple points in the process of prevention program evaluation. Recommended procedures include data collection on consumer responses to various recruitment strategies and consumer preferences for specific program delivery features. Following the general rationale for use of these procedures, a summary description of their relationship with existing approaches to program evaluation is presented. Finally, illustrations of consumer-focused data collection procedures applied during several phases of an ongoing program evaluation project are provided.