Using evaluation theory in priority setting and resource allocation
Journal of Health Organization and Management
ISSN: 1477-7266
Article publication date: 31 August 2012
Abstract
Purpose
Public sector interest in methods for priority setting and program or policy evaluation has grown considerably over the last several decades, given increased expectations for accountable and efficient use of resources and emphasis on evidence‐based decision making as a component of good management practice. While there has been some occasional effort to conduct evaluation of priority setting projects, the literatures around priority setting and evaluation have largely evolved separately. In this paper, the aim is to bring them together.
Design/methodology/approach
The contention is that evaluation theory is a means by which evaluators reflect upon what it is they are doing when they do evaluation work. Theories help to organize thinking, sort out relevant from irrelevant information, provide transparent grounds for particular implementation choices, and can help resolve problematic issues which may arise in the conduct of an evaluation project.
Findings
A detailed review of three major branches of evaluation theory – methods, utilization, and valuing – identifies how such theories can guide the development of efforts to evaluate priority setting and resource allocation initiatives. Evaluation theories differ in terms of their guiding question, anticipated setting or context, evaluation foci, perspective from which benefits are calculated, and typical methods endorsed.
Originality/value
Choosing a particular theoretical approach will structure the way in which any priority setting process is evaluated. The paper suggests that explicitly considering evaluation theory makes key aspects of the evaluation process more visible to all stakeholders, and can assist in the design of effective evaluation of priority setting processes; this should iteratively serve to improve the understanding of priority setting practices themselves.
Keywords
Citation
Smith, N., Mitton, C., Cornelissen, E., Gibson, J. and Peacock, S. (2012), "Using evaluation theory in priority setting and resource allocation", Journal of Health Organization and Management, Vol. 26 No. 5, pp. 655-671. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777261211256963
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited