Lessons Learned From a Multisite Evaluation of Geriatric and Extended Care Programs

Abstract

With the increased use of multisite evaluation and implementation studies in health care, our team of evaluators reflects on our evaluation of a large-scale multiyear geriatric and extended care program implementation. We share lessons from conducting multiple rounds of data collection, analyses, and reporting. We also identify some key factors that can facilitate or hinder multisite evaluation efforts involving programs with different models of implementation. This article strives to improve the quality of large-scale evaluations of health programs implementation. Knowledge gained from this complex evaluation will inform public health programs funders, implementers, and key program staff to better plan for, engage in, and benefit from effective complex evaluations to promote health in diverse settings.