Using Logic Models to Create Effective Programs 

The Value of using Logic Models Program planning tool that links outcomes with outputs, inputs, stakeholders, and activities Engages stakeholders Clarifies program theory ~ fills in gaps Fosters ownership of the program Builds common understanding ~ especially about the relationship between goals, actions, and results.

What is a logic model? Program planning tool that links outcomes with outputs, inputs, stakeholders, and activities Activities Stakeholders Inputs Outputs Outcomes

What’s that mean? Activities = actions Stakeholders = people or organizations Inputs = resources Outputs = quantity of products or services Outcomes = specific benefits

If… And… Then…? Inputs Activities Outputs Outcomes Stake-holders IF you have evidence-based activities, access to them, and IF services are provided and used as planned, then The vision of benefits for clients may be achieved. IF you use resources and work with stakeholders, and

What’s that look like? Program planning tool that links outcomes with outputs, inputs, stakeholders, and activities Activities Stakeholders Inputs Outputs Outcomes outreach education screening treatment clients clinics hospitals schools faith-based funds staff volunteers supplies equipment # of people: served taught screened treated knowledge skills attitudes behavior condition status

How do I start? Program Goal = the overall change you want to see Increase positive birth outcomes for pregnant teens Target = the population you want to affect All, or by age group, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic level Objective = time + amount + target + strategy By 2010, at least 90% of pregnant Monterey County teens will enter into prenatal care in the first trimester. Strategy = a systematic plan of action Increase early entry to prenatal care for pregnant teens

Where do I want to end up? Outcomes! Short-term = Teens increase knowledge of prenatal nutrition & health guidelines Mid-term = Teens maintain proper nutrition, health choices, and health guidelines Long-term = Teens deliver healthy babies

Outcomes are a measure of change So what’s different? Outcomes are a measure of change New knowledge Increased skills Changed attitudes or values Modified behaviors or practices Changed conditions

What’s reasonable outcome? Consider timeframe Consider resources and partners Consider other/external factors that may influence outcome achievement Consider your contributions to a larger change Be ambitious but don’t set yourself up.

Types of Outcomes Often easiest if organize along levels of change Client/individual Family/community Systemic Organizational

Indicators Indicators are the specific, measurable characteristics or changes that represent achievement of an outcome. Indicators answer the question: How will I know it?

Indicators Direct Meaningful Useful Practical to collect Sometimes more than one is needed

Indicators measure Outcomes # or % of medical providers adhering to new assessment, education, and prevention protocols # or % increase in clients who have a PCP # and type of providers in network Outcomes Medical providers demonstrate accurate health assessment, education and prevention activities Increased access to primary care physicians Increased provider participation in network

Program Goal: Improve oral health care for low-income children Example Logic Model Program Goal: Improve oral health care for low-income children Resources Activities Outputs Outcomes

Before Logic Modeling, clarify program’s rationale Continuation of existing program Expansion of existing program Existing program with modifications New program

Then clarify Logic Model timeframe… A program cycle A calendar year A grant period The time you believe it will take to show meaningful results

… and Scope Geographic area Service area Client population Logic Model Scope Geographic area Service area Client population

Resources: What inputs are dedicated to the program? Human resources (staff at the clinic) Facilities (clinic) Equipment & supplies Partners (referral agencies, funders) Technology (data management)

Program Goal: Improve oral health care for low-income children Example Logic Model Program Goal: Improve oral health care for low-income children Resources Dental Clinic Coordinator Community Health Director Staff dentist Staff pediatrician Medical providers Money for supplies Activities Training Develop curriculum Two, one-hour trainings to medical providers in oral health assessment Two, one-hour cultural competency trainings for medical providers Outreach Order dental supplies for packets Make up packets Distribute to parents at end of each visit Outputs Training # of two-hour trainings held # of one-on-one trainings held # of medical providers trained Outreach # of parents/children receiving packets Outcomes Medical providers demonstrate accurate oral health assessment, education and prevention activities More children receive high-quality oral health assessment, education and prevention activities during well-child visits Parents/children are more knowledgeable about oral health and caring for children’s teeth Reduced incidence of caries in children at the community health center Often stakeholders

Activities: What is the program doing? Think first about components: Outreach Training Consultation Staff Development Partnership Development

Program Goal: Improve oral health care for low-income children Example Logic Model Program Goal: Improve oral health care for low-income children Resources Dental Clinic Coordinator Community Health Director Staff dentist Staff pediatrician Medical providers Money for supplies Activities Training Develop curriculum Two one-hour didactic trainings to medical providers in oral health assessment One-on-one training to medical providers on oral health Outreach Order dental supplies for packets Make up packets Distribute to parents at end of each visit Outputs Outcomes

Activities: What is the program doing? Outreach: Develop coalitions Communications (press releases, brochures) Create social networks

Activities: What is the program doing? Training: Hire curriculum development team Develop training curriculum Recruit training team Recruit participants Provide training sessions

Outputs: What is the program producing? Usually quantifiable measure of program activities # of training workshops held # of participants attending each workshop # of partnerships formed # of policy briefings conducted # of press packets disseminated

Program Goal: Improve oral health care for low-income children Example Logic Model Program Goal: Improve oral health care for low-income children Resources Dental Clinic Coordinator Community Health Director Staff dentist Staff pediatrician Medical providers Money for supplies Activities Training Develop curriculum Two one-hour didactic trainings to medical providers in oral health assessment One-on-one training to medical providers on oral health Outreach Order dental supplies for packets Make up packets Distribute to parents at end of each visit Outputs Training # of two-hour trainings held # of one-on-one trainings held # of medical providers trained Outreach # of parents/children receiving packets Outcomes

Chain of Outcomes Short term: are the most direct results of activities and outputs, generally achievable in one year. Intermediate: link a program’s short-term outcomes to long-term outcomes. Long term: result from the achievement of short and intermediate term outcomes and often take a longer time to achieve.

Program Goal: Improve oral health care for low-income children Chain of Outcomes Program Goal: Improve oral health care for low-income children Activities Training Develop curriculum Two one-hour didactic trainings to medical providers in oral health assessment One-on-one training to medical providers on oral health Outreach Order dental supplies for packets Make up packets Distribute to parents at end of each visit Outputs Training # of two-hour trainings held # of one-on-one trainings held # of medical providers trained Outreach # of parents/children receiving packets Short-Term Outcomes Medical providers demonstrate accurate oral health assessment, education and prevention activities Parents/children are more knowledgeable about oral health and caring for children’s teeth Inter.-Term Outcomes More children receive high-quality oral health assessment, education and prevention activities during well-child visits Long-Term Outcomes Reduced incidence of caries in children receiving care from the community health center Usually knowledge change Usually an action Usually a condition

Recap: The Value of Using Logic Models Engages stakeholders. Clarifies program theory and fills in the gaps. Builds ownership of the program. Builds common understanding about the program, especially about the relationship between actions and results.