The Utility of a Realist Evaluation Approach in Implementing and Evaluating Health Equity Policy

Authors

  • Sanjeev Sridharan St. Michael's Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
  • Tim Warren Self Management Directorate, Scottish Government, Edinburgh, Scotland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.29.2.87

Keywords:

policy alignment, policy influence, positive evaluation, realist evaluation

Abstract

This article discusses the utility of realist evaluation in influencing policies aimed at reducing health inequities and improving population health. Using an example of a National Demonstration program in Scotland, the article discusses how realist evaluation can help in several aspects of policy implementation: exploring “loss in translation” from policy aspirations to program design, interrogating the program design, developing a range of learnings from conducting the evaluation, and aligning the learning with policy priorities. Conditions under which evaluations can lead to positive influence on policy makers and future policies are discussed.

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Published

2014-11-21

How to Cite

Sridharan, S., & Warren, T. (2014). The Utility of a Realist Evaluation Approach in Implementing and Evaluating Health Equity Policy. Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation, 29(2), 87–103. https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.29.2.87

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 2 (2014): Fall

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2014 Sanjeev Sridharan, Tim Warren

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