Constantly changing health and human services programs means there is a need for policy reviews and program evaluation that are evidence based and practical. Skills in evaluation design, and qualitative and quantitative research are paramount in ensuring rigorous evaluation and review.

In conducting policy reviews and program evaluation we use a combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis to provide evidence based findings and practical improvement recommendations.

Our approach typically involves:

• Evaluation frameworks and program logics
• Extensive consultation with key stakeholders and informants using a variety of techniques
• A range of alternative sampling techniques
• Data collection and data analysis
• Statistical analysis and cost effectiveness studies
• Literature reviews to identify current best practice and relevant studies.

Our approach to policy reviews and program evaluation tends to highly consultative, particularly when clinicians and consumers are involved. Performing formative evaluations is similar to the approach above, but with greater emphasis on qualitative measures to assess the early impact of the program and program refinement opportunities.

O’Connell Advisory has a number of staff highly experienced in the performance of major complex evaluations, policy reviews and complex literature reviews, covering grey and published literature, which provide an insight to industry trends and best practice.