DESIGN OF PROCESS EVALUATION WITHIN THE CHILD AND ADOLESCENT TRIAL FOR CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH (CATCH)

Process evaluation complements outcome evaluation by providing data to describe how a program was implemented, how well the activities deliv ered fit the original design, to whom services were delivered, the ext ent to which the target population was reached, and factors external t o the program that may compete with the program effects. The process e valuation system used in the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovasc ular Health (CATCH) is presented in this paper. The conceptual model u nderlying the CATCH process evaluation system is described, and proces s measures and data collection protocols are reviewed. Functions of pr ocess evaluation data in the trial include: (1) describing the impleme ntation of the program, (2) quality control and monitoring, and (3) ex plaining program effects. The importance of incorporating process eval uation into final outcome analyses and assessments of program impact i s emphasized.