Evaluating large and complex demonstrations: the CHAMPUS reform initiative experience. Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the evaluation process for the CHAMPUS Reform Initiative (CRI) both to highlight issues that evaluators must consider when undertaking such projects and to provide policymakers with tools to better assess demonstration project evaluations.


METHODS
The CRI evaluation.


METHODS
Case study.


METHODS
Review of CRI evaluation reports.


RESULTS
Although policymakers increasingly rely on the evaluations of demonstration projects to determine whether to extend the scope and funding of many public programs, the results of these evaluations are often difficult to assess. Despite its analytical sophistication, the CRI evaluation was no exception. The somewhat artificial time constraints imposed by policymakers made projection of the CRI's performance beyond the demonstration period particularly difficult.


CONCLUSIONS
Much uncertainty generally remains even after well-planned and well-executed evaluations of demonstration projects.
Zwanziger
J
J
University of Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
Hart
K D
KD
Kravitz
R L
RL
Sloss
E M
EM
D003625:Data Collection; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000639:trends*; D006264:Health Benefit Plans, Employee / Q000639:trends*; D018166:Health Care Reform; D006801:Humans; D008889:Military Personnel; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D014481:United States