Evaluation & Research Work
Tri-County Women’s Centre - Housing Data Analysis (2018) Tri-County Women’s Centre - Housing Data Analysis (2018) NSHA Public Health Services contracted us through the Tri-County Women’s Centre to complete an in-depth analysis of responses to the Housing Needs Assessment survey conducted across six counties in fall 2017 and winter 2018.
The purposes of the survey were to 1) increase knowledge of affordable and supportive housing needs and issues; 2) engage the community to better understand the local housing situation; 3) generate reports with current data on housing needs relevant to our communities that can be used for planning, service delivery, and funding proposals; and 4) to document the housing needs of all citizens including vulnerable populations (women leaving domestic violence, youth, seniors, LGBTQ people, persons with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness). The survey reports are available here.
National Aboriginal Diabetes Association - Evaluation and Report (2018) National Aboriginal Diabetes Association - Evaluation and Report (2018) The National Aboriginal Diabetes Association held its National Indigenous Diabetes Conference in Halifax in April. We conducted a bilingual web-based evaluation of the event. We also followed up with a number of delegates to include additional quotes/testimonials about the conference in the evaluation report we submitted.
First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), Indigenous Services Canada - Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Screening Brief Intervention and Referral (SBIR) in Atlantic First Nations Community Health Centres (2017 - 2018) First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), Indigenous Services Canada - Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Screening Brief Intervention and Referral (SBIR) in Atlantic First Nations Community Health Centres (2017 - 2018) SBIR is an approach that service providers can use for early identification and interventions with people who have real or potential alcohol and/or substance abuse challenges; it is a key component of identifying issues early and allowing for better care planning and better referrals.
FNUIHB contracted us to determine the best way to implement SBIR (with a target population of pregnant women) in First Nations communities in the Atlantic Region. We completed a literature review on SBIR with Indigenous populations, conducted interviews with health staff in selected First Nation Health Centres, facilitated focus groups with women in those communities, and developed a final report. The report included recommendations on implementation SBIR, as well as recommendations about training and ongoing support to communities.
First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), Indigenous Services Canada - National Anti-Drug Strategy Prescription Drug Abuse Investment Assessment Methodology (2017) First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), Indigenous Services Canada - National Anti-Drug Strategy Prescription Drug Abuse Investment Assessment Methodology (2017) Health Canada and Indigenous Services Canada are part of a federal multi-year inter-departmental initiative, the National Anti-Drug Strategy (NADS). It focuses on preventing illicit drug use, treatment of people who have illicit/prescription drug dependencies, and combatting the production and distribution of illicit drugs. Since 2014, the program has also focused on addressing problematic prescription drug use. A portion of the funding is used to enhance prevention and treatment services in First Nation communities, and focuses on prevention training, case management and crisis intervention, specific to problematic usage. We worked with FNIHB regional leads across Canada to review and update the methodology they use to report on the work that is happening. Then we met with representatives from three communities who receive funding through this program to gather their input about the reporting methodology. Finally, we prepared an updated reporting tool, and presented it to FNIHB regional leads across the country.
Feed Nova Scotia - Evaluation Support Feed Nova Scotia - Evaluation Support We worked with Feed Nova Scotia, a provincial charity that supports a network of 146 members across the province (comprised of food banks, meal programs, soup kitchens, shelters, and a wide range of social development agencies), to review and enhance their existing theory of change, evaluation plan, and data collection processes; and we developed evaluation tools for measuring the impact of the Network.
Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs (APC) - Evaluation of Nursing Policies’ Usefulness and Uptake in Atlantic First Nations Communities Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs (APC) - Evaluation of Nursing Policies’ Usefulness and Uptake in Atlantic First Nations Communities In 2004, community health nursing practice policies were developed in each Atlantic province, and one province’s policies have been updated annually since then. The policies address professional responsibility and accountability, nursing practice, health protection, health promotion, administration, and human resources.
We worked with the APC to conduct an evaluation about the usefulness and uptake of the policies. The findings will inform future policy development and evaluation, as well as novel approaches for knowledge translation. We are also exploring whether the policies were developed using established systematic literature reviews and evidence appraisal tools, and using Indigenous knowledge.
Nova Scotia Health Authority, Mental Health and Addiction - Change the Odds - Nova Scotia Youth Gambling Prevention Project Evaluation Nova Scotia Health Authority, Mental Health and Addiction - Change the Odds - Nova Scotia Youth Gambling Prevention Project Evaluation We completed an evaluation of the first phase of a provincial initiative to prevent gambling and gambling harm among youth in Nova Scotia. Mental Health & Addiction Services staff from Nova Scotia’s former nine District Health Authorities and the IWK collaborated to conceive of and implement the first phase of the project. We worked with the group from the beginning of the project, contributing community development expertise, and working with the group to build a program model and an evaluation process that accurately reflected the evolving nature of the project, in the context of relevant work in the community. We collaboratively developed a logic model, a program description, an evaluation framework, and a performance measurement system for tracking project implementation, process, outputs, and outcomes. The evaluation methodology included a document review, key informant interviews, a focus group, and web and learning event surveys. The evaluation findings informed the next phase of the work.
In January 2016, we began working with the provincial project team to evaluate the second phase of the work. We collaborated to update the objectives, logic model, and evaluation framework, and we developed evaluation tools. The methodology, currently being implemented, includes focus groups, key informant interviews, paper and web surveys, and a performance measurement tracking tool. We developed an action planning tool for the project’s working groups and a monthly reporting template for the project coordinator to use with the funder (Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness).
YMCA Employment Centre - Portfolio Express Tool Evaluation (2016) YMCA Employment Centre - Portfolio Express Tool Evaluation (2016) We worked with the Greater Halifax YMCA Employment Centre to evaluate the effectiveness of the Portfolio Express tool they developed and piloted with participants at the East Preston Empowerment Academy. Portfolio Express helps people identify their knowledge, skills, and competencies; draws heavily on storytelling as a method for participants to uncover their prior learning; and helps people identify additional competencies they need to build in order to meet their goals. The goals could be for personal learning, for furthering education, and/or for obtaining red seal certification for trades many have been working in for years.
East Preston Empowerment Academy - Development of a Phase Two Evaluation Framework (2016) East Preston Empowerment Academy - Development of a Phase Two Evaluation Framework (2016) The East Preston Empowerment Academy is a grassroots, community-driven initiative of the East Preston United Baptist Church. The Academy provides literacy and academic enrichment adult learning program to adults who do not have high school diplomas. There are several components within the Academy, including learning foundations, employability pathways, leadership, and well-being. Our role was to create an evaluation framework for Phase 2 of the Academy’s Employability Pathways in the Skilled Trades, including a logic model and the evaluation questions.
Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nation Chiefs Secretariat (APC) - Renewal of the Atlantic Chiefs’ Priorities (2016) Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nation Chiefs Secretariat (APC) - Renewal of the Atlantic Chiefs’ Priorities (2016) We conducted a process to assist APC in renewing the Atlantic Chiefs̛ health priorities. This process involved gathering, reviewing, synthesizing and analyzing relevant data and evidence; gathering input about priorities from Health Directors; identifying and addressing gaps in knowledge; and facilitating an exercise to assist Chiefs in prioritizing health issues/needs. We meaningfully engaged the Health Directors and the Atlantic Health Partnership First Nation members, and created a framework for the priorities that aligns with their holistic view of health.
Eskasoni Community Health Centre - Review and Update of Eskasoni Community Health Centre Policies and Job Descriptions (2015-2016) Eskasoni Community Health Centre - Review and Update of Eskasoni Community Health Centre Policies and Job Descriptions (2015-2016) We completed a contract with the Eskasoni Health Centre to review its policies, procedures, and job descriptions to ensure that they are current, comprehensive, and that they align with the Community Health Plan. We reviewed existing policies, identified gaps, reworked the policies into a consistent format, and facilitated a day-long session with staff to review the policies and their work plans. We subsequently incorporated feedback from staff, and revised the policies, procedures, and job descriptions. We engaged staff in examining the policies, and fostering a sense of engagement and ownership of them.
Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nation Chiefs Secretariat (APC)- Family Violence Needs and Resources Assessment (2015)
Mental Health & Addiction Services, Annapolis Valley District Health Authority (AVDHA) - Evaluation of Prevention of Gambling and Gambling Harm among Youth (2014-2015)
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Nova Scotia Division - Communities Addressing Suicide Together (CAST) Evaluation (2015)
Chrysalis House - Evaluation of Engaging Men and Boys in Ending Violence against Women and Girls (2014-2015)
Kings Community Action Group on Gambling - Building Community Readiness to Reduce Gambling Harm (2014 - 2015)
Wagmatcook First Nation - Give Us Wings Program Evaluation (2014 - 2016)
IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University - Mothers Mental Health Toolkit Project Evaluation (2014)
First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Health Canada - Brighter Futures and Building Healthy Communities Outcome Studies Coordination and Reporting (2013-2014)
Nova Scotia Department of Justice - Evaluation of the Mi'kmaq Legal Support Network (2013)
Department of Health and Wellness - Evaluation Services to Develop an Evaluation Plan for Collaborative Emergency Centres (2013)
Health Canada First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Interprofessional Advisory and Program Support Directorate, Mental Wellness Division - National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP) Community Outcome Study Methodology (2013)
Health Canada First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Interprofessional Advisory and Program Support Directorate, Mental Wellness Division - Core Components of Standards and Guidelines for the FNIHB FASD Mentoring Program (2013)
IWK Mental Health and Addictions - Supporting Treatment Services for At-Risk Youth Final Outcome Evaluation (2012-2013)
Recreation Nova Scotia - Examining Municipal Recreation in Nova Scotia (2012)
Health Canada, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) Community Programs Directorate, Children and Youth Division - A Literature Review on Standards and Best Practices of Case Management in Home Visitation Programs in the Context of Maternal Child Health (2012-2013)
Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority - Evaluation of Community Health Board Planning and Activities (2012)
Department of Health and Wellness - Evaluation of Eskasoni Mental Health Crisis Line Services (2012)
Department of Health and Wellness - Evaluation of Eskasoni Mental Health Crisis Line Services (2012)
Health Canada, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) Community Programs Directorate, Children and Youth Division - A Literature Review and Scan of Standards and Guidelines for Supervision Practices in Home Visitation Programs (2012)
Pictou Landing First Nation Health Centre - Report Preparation for Let's Deal With It Gambling Awareness Project (2012)
Department of Justice Canada - Family, Children & Youth Section - Identifying Promising Practices to Reduce Violence and Improve Safety of Aboriginal Women and Girls in Canada (2011 - 2012)
Nova Scotia Association for Sexual Health - Consultation and Best Practice Literature Review (2011 - 2012)
Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness Continuing Care - Challenging Behaviour Program Evaluation Framework Development & Evaluation Implementation (2009 - 2012)
Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APCFNC) - Evaluation of the Atlantic Aboriginal Economic Development Integrated Research Program (AAEDIRP) (2011)
Health Canada First Nations & Inuit Health (FNIH) - Maternal & Child Health (MCH) Program Evaluation (2011)
IWK CHOICES Program- Supporting Treatment Services for At-Risk Youth in Capital Health & Aboriginal Youth Provincially Project Interim Evaluation (2011)
Lunenburg County & Queens Community Health Boards -South Shore Community Consultation (2011)
Health Canada - First Nations & Inuit Health - Aboriginal Health Transition Fund (AHTF) Integration Projects Comprehensive Process and Outcomes Evaluation (2010-2011)
Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness (DHW) - Aboriginal Health Transition Fund (AHTF) Adaptation Plan, Mi'kmaq Health Policy Framework, and Cultural Safety Project Evaluations (2009 - 2011)