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Session Title: Examples From the Field: Applying Theories of Collaboration and Communities of Practice
Multipaper Session 806 to be held in Sebastian Section L4 on Saturday, Nov 14, 11:50 AM to 12:35 PM
Sponsored by the Program Theory and Theory-driven Evaluation TIG
Chair(s):
Uda Walker,  Gargani + Company, uda@gcoinc.com
Are We as Good as Batman and Robin? An Outcome-based Approach to Evaluate Collaborative Efforts
Presenter(s):
Lauren Gase, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lgase@cdc.gov
Diane Dunet, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ddunet@cdc.gov
Erica Fulmer, Research Triangle Institute, fulmer@rti.org
Barri Burrus, Research Triangle Institute, barri@rti.org
Abstract: Partnerships are often central to effectively addressing complex issues. A robust literature on process measures for partnerships exists; however, less information is available on frameworks to guide the evaluation of partnership outcomes. As part of an external evaluation of the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP), an assessment was conducted to examine the value derived from and added to DHDSP's work through participation in partnerships with other CDC Divisions. The assessment examined process measures of partnership engagement as well as outcome measures of partnership effectiveness. The session will describe results of this assessment, detailing what factors and contexts were shown to be important for facilitating successful partnership outcomes. Findings will be compared with theoretical frameworks and previously identified critical partnership factors from the literature. The session will highlight methods for examining the value added of inter-organizational partnerships and an outcome-based approach to judge the success of collaborative efforts.
A Theory-driven Approach to Evaluating Communities of Practice (CoPs)
Presenter(s):
Gaya Myers, Emory University, gcmyers@cdc.gov
Jan Jernigan, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, jjernigan1@cdc.gov
Hilary Wall, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hwall@cdc.gov
Susan Ladd, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sladd@cdc.gov
Abstract: The Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has developed evaluation indicators for use by state health departments to monitor program impact. DHDSP adopted the use of communities of practice (CoPs) as an approach to resolving the issues associated with adapting research-based indicators for ongoing monitoring; ensuring consistent and comparable data collection; and implementing a system to report progress to CDC. The CoP is made up of DHDSP funded state partners, CDC staff, and content experts. An evaluation was conducted to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the CoP process in implementing the use of the DHDSP indicators. This presentation explains the process and results of the CoP evaluation. We provide an overview of the CoP approach, describe the hierarchical theoretical framework that guides the evaluation, explain our methods, and present the evaluation findings including lessons learned and next steps.

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