Using the CDC framework for program evaluation in public health to assess tuberculosis contact investigation programs.
METHODS
In Massachusetts, despite the efforts of state and local health department tuberculosis (TB) programs, the rates of contact testing and follow-up remain below the state and national objectives. Changes in contact investigation practices are therefore needed to achieve these objectives.


OBJECTIVE
To develop contact investigation self-evaluation tools in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Framework for Program Evaluation in Public Health. These tools will be used to assess state and local level contact investigation practices.


METHODS
The self-evaluation tools were developed using the CDC's framework and pilot-tested by public health nurse case managers in five city health departments. The tools were revised according to feedback received from the nurses.


RESULTS
The Massachusetts TB Division conducted three of the six steps of the CDC's framework. Stakeholders of the evaluation were identified and engaged, logic models were created describing state and local TB program components, and self-evaluation tools were developed.


CONCLUSIONS
The CDC's framework provided a useful methodology for beginning the assessment process for evaluating TB contact investigation programs. When the contact investigation self-evaluation tools are implemented statewide, the findings will be used to target areas in need of improvement and develop strategies to make noteworthy changes.
Logan
S
S
Division of Tuberculosis Prevention and Control, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts 02130, USA.
Boutotte
J
J
Wilce
M
M
Etkind
S
S
D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D016358:Contact Tracing; D006801:Humans; D008404:Massachusetts; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods*; D015980:Public Health Practice; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission*; D014481:United States