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

Our approach to developing strategies and performing scoping studies typically involves four major components – literature reviews; extensive consultation with key stakeholders and other interested parties; data analysis and a cost effectiveness study. From this work, recommendations are drawn and prioritised. The focus for the recommendations developed is on those interventions where the biggest difference can be made, in terms of both benefits and cost savings.

In conducting policy reviews and program evaluations, we use a combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis to produce evidence based findings and practical improvement opportunity recommendations. We have a standardised approach to such reviews including components such as:

• Evaluation frameworks and program logics
• A range of alternative sampling techniques
• Data collection and management
• Statistical analysis
• Literature reviews to identify current best practice and consultation

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

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