What is program evaluation primarily focused on?

Program evaluation is primarily concerned with assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of an ongoing program. This means that it involves systematically collecting and analyzing information to determine how well the program is meeting its objectives, fulfilling its intended purpose, and utilizing resources efficiently. This evaluation can provide valuable insights into what works, what doesn’t, and areas for improvement, ensuring that the program can adapt and better serve its target population.

Focusing on the efficiency involves examining whether the program is using its resources—such as time, money, and personnel—optimally to achieve results. Effectiveness looks at whether the program is successfully achieving its goals and addressing the needs it was designed to meet. Together, these two aspects are essential for making informed decisions to enhance program performance and impact.

In contrast, options such as the layout of the healthcare facility or patient demographic analysis focus more on structural or demographic considerations rather than the performance of the program itself. Financial auditing, while important for ensuring accountability and financial integrity, does not directly evaluate the operational success or outcomes of specific healthcare programs.