Uses and influence of health evaluation in two studies on the Brazilian National Dengue Fever Control Program

• Published in: Cadernos de saúde pública Vol. 28; no. 11; pp. 2095 - 2105
• Main Authors: Figueiró, Ana Cláudia, Hartz, Zulmira, Samico, Isabella, Cesse, Eduarda Angela Pessoa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Brazil 01.11.2012
• Subjects: Brazil; Brazilians; Decision Making; Dengue - prevention & control; Health; Health Care Services; Health policy; Health Services Administration; Humans; Immunization Programs; Interest Groups; Knowledge; Latin American studies; Management; Medical service; Models, Theoretical; National Health Programs; Program Evaluation; Public Health; Public Officials; Quality Indicators, Health Care; Values; Brazil
• ISSN: 0102-311X; 1678-4464
• DOI: 10.1590/S0102-311X2012001100009

Evaluation aims to provide information, promote improvement in programs, and determine the merit and value of the object of evaluation. However, the challenge for evaluators is not only to promote, but also to document the usefulness of studies. Given this challenge, the article aimed to systematize the uses and influence of the process and findings in two evaluations on Brazilian National Dengue Fever Control Program, for decision-making by the respective public health administrators and professionals. Based on a theoretical analytical model, an exploratory study was performed with documental analysis for identification of events and registrations in the evaluations and their circulation in terms of possible uses and influence, from 2007 to 2010. Favorable factors for the use of evaluations were the mode of production of contextual knowledge and definition of evaluations with a focus on utility. The results, indicating greater instrumental use and immediate process and collective use may indicate the studies' pertinence to stakeholders and their usefulness to program management at different levels in the health system.