In the previous stage, the team defined desired performance in specific and
measurable terms. Using those same indicators and measures, describe the current,
or actual, performance. Possible sources of performance data include clinic
records, ministry of health statistics, and previous projects and studies completed
in the same area. Many times, however, existing data on current performance
will be insufficient, and you will have to collect data on your own.
The data gathered for this stage will serve as the baseline for determining
the effectiveness of the interventions. After the interventions have been implemented
for a designated time period, you will compare performance data to this baseline
data to determine whether or how much performance has changed. In fact, now
is the time to start your monitoring and evaluation plan, even though that subject
is covered in the Evaluation stage.
Knowledgeable measurement, monitoring and evaluation expertise is vital throughout
data collection planning and processing. If a monitoring and evaluation expert
is not already on your team, now is the time to solicit help and advice.
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