title: Evaluating a moving target: Using Practical Participatory Evaluation (P-PE) in hospital settings.
abstract: This article describes lessons learned about implementing evaluations in hospital settings. In order to overcome the methodological dilemmas inherent in this environment, we used a practical participatory evaluation strategy to engage as many stakeholders as possible in the process of evaluating a clinical demonstration project. Demonstration projects, in this context, push the envelope about what is known about effectiveness in novel settings, and turnover of staff and patient populations can present challenges to gathering optimal data. By using P-PE, we built capacity in the environment while expanding possibilities for data collection. Suggestions are made based on our experience.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA ; VA Ann Arbor Health Care System Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Ann Arbor, Michigan.
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wharton
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Mobility Research Center ; Institute of Gerontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA ; VA Ann Arbor Health Care System Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Ann Arbor, Michigan.
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Alexander
keywords: Practical Participatory Evaluation; feasibility; hospitals; inpatient; turnover