Evaluation entails the systematic investigation of the design, implementation, administration, impacts, and efficiency of programs. It is a core programmatic element that helps programs explore what is working well and what is not in order to decide whether the project or program should be continued in its current form, altered, expanded, or abandoned. Evaluation also can be used to assess and reinforce accountability. All programs benefit from evaluation, whether built in from inception or conceptualized during the program’s implementation. The different types of evaluation - formative, process, and outcome - serve different purposes during the life cycle of a program and often use different methods. However, all are means of addressing questions critical to assuring that programs effectively and efficiently meet the needs for which they were intended.

Health Systems Research, Inc.'s (HSR's) approach to evaluation assures that the client is involved and engaged throughout the process. HSR uses a systematic approach that starts with formulation of questions that evaluation should address and continues with the identification of the methods that most appropriately answer those questions. Because of the wide variety of programs and projects that HSR has been engaged to evaluate, we have strengths across the variety of approaches, both quantitative and qualitative. HSR's evaluations often require the adept use of qualitative and quantitative data. HSR staff has experience conducting evaluations at the national, State, and local levels. Our staff has expertise in study design, sampling, instrument development, data collection, data analysis, and report writing. HSR prides itself in assuring that the products developed are useful and usable by key stakeholders. HSR believes strongly that evaluation should provide immediate value to the program as well as help make longer-term programmatic changes.