Workplace Physical Activity Programs – Kinds of Examination.

The type of investigation you select depends on when you do it and the type of information you collect.

This section describes when to use three kinds –  formative, process and summative examinations.

During the Developing Stage

Use formative investigations in the planning stages to ensure that your health promotion program is based on solid information. These investigations also help you to create effective and appropriate materials and procedures.

Examples of formative investigations include -

o  records of senior management commitments to the wellness program

o  worker interest surveys

o  worksite environmental assessments

o  pre-testing of wellness program materials

During Your Initiative

A process evaluation is used when the initiative is underway. These examinations help you -

o  Track what’s going well and what isn’t (and how to revise your wellness program)

o  determine when you’re reaching the staff you want to reach

o  describe the program to others

o  monitor who is participating in the program

During or After Your Initiative

Summative examinations happen when the program is already in place or completed. Use this kind of analysis to measure what staff like about the program and what could be improved.

All three types of evaluations are useful.  The analysis you select depends on the time and financial resources you have available.