The Program Evaluation and Monitoring System: a key source of data for monitoring evidence-based HIV prevention program processes and outcomes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention (DHAP) has responded to the need for accurate and timely data to monitor and evaluate federally funded HIV prevention programs by designing and implementing the Program Evaluation and Monitoring System (PEMS). PEMS is a national data reporting system that includes a standardized set of HIV prevention data variables, Web-based software for data entry and management, data collection and evaluation guidance and training, and software implementation support services. This article discusses the purposes of evaluation and the need for and development of PEMS and also describes how PEMS strengthens the monitoring and evaluation of HIV prevention services nationally and program planning, management, and monitoring locally. PEMS data may be used by prevention stakeholders at all levels to examine program fidelity, adaptation and tailoring, and key program health service utilization and behavioral outcomes. PEMS provides a strong foundation to bring a program closer to its intended goals and to serve the needs of the clients and the community, provides a means for agencies to fulfill their reporting mandates and funding obligations, and enables the CDC to monitor HIV prevention efforts in a consistent, efficient, and effective manner across the United States.