Quantitative and Qualitative Data Sources for Rural Healthy Aging Programs
Evaluating a rural healthy aging program requires a combination of different types of data sources. Quantitative data includes results of surveys, claims data, cost reports, and other numeric indicators. Qualitative data provides context through interviews and focus groups with program participants, partner organizations, and others. Evaluators must choose the "right" data sources to ensure they can speak about program implementation processes and/or program outcomes. For more details on evaluation design, see Evaluating Rural Programs in the Rural Community Health Toolkit.
Examples of specific types of data sources:
- Surveys can be used to collect information on a program participant's healthy aging program experience. Survey data can be collected in person or by phone, mail, or online, and may include closed-ended and open-ended questions.
- Focus groups and interviews allow program participants to describe their experience with the program, satisfaction, and any challenges they may have encountered with the rural healthy aging program. Focus groups and interviews may also be conducted with program staff and partners to understand the process of implementing the program, including barriers and facilitators.
- Observation of the rural healthy aging program can be used to describe what is already working well and what is not. Program evaluators can observe the program in practice, how older adults receive services, and older adults' participation in the program, and recommend improvements based on those observations.
- Claims data, records of healthcare services billed to and paid by health insurance plans, can be used to better understand healthcare utilization, measure health outcomes, and explore program reach and effectiveness.
- Cost data can be used to assess the cost of delivering a rural healthy aging program (for example, staff salaries, supplies, space), conduct cost-effectiveness and return on investment analyses, identify inefficiencies, compare costs across different groups, and plan for scaling or replicating a program.
Data can be collected at different points in time, including at baseline (prior to the program's implementation), during key points in the program, and after the program ends. To conduct an effective evaluation, rural healthy aging programs should regularly gather data to determine how well the program is working for program participants.
Resources to Learn More
The Community Tool Box: Toolkit
2. Assessing Community Needs and Resources
Website
Toolkit to provide guidance for conducting assessments of community needs and resources. Includes an
outline of steps, processes, and related resources for collecting information, conducting interviews,
administering surveys, and using qualitative methods to assess community issues.
Organization(s): Work Group for Community Health and Development at the University of Kansas