Local public health performance measurement: implementation strategies and lessons learned from aligning program evaluation indicators with the 10 essential public health services.

This case study summarizes the development and implementation of the evaluation framework, preliminary data results, and lessons learned for overcoming barriers and challenges. The framework development was based on best practices in evaluation and the Public Health Essential Services. Results were as follows: (1) implemented a department-wide framework for program evaluation; (2) developed and implemented 34 program evaluation plans; (3) collected data on 52 indicators across 492 measurable objectives; and (4) identified challenges and recommendations to improve evaluation processes. Although the importance of program evaluation is recognized in public health, program evaluation models do not take into account the variety of goals inherent in the diversity of public health programming. The case study presented provides guidance and lessons learned for the evaluation of public health practice in local governments.