Along the way to developing a theory of the program: A re-examination of the conceptual framework as an organizing strategy

Deborah L Helitzer; Andrew L Sussman; Richard M Hoffman; Christina M Getrich; Teddy D Warner; Robert L Rhyne

doi:10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2014.04.005

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Along the way to developing a theory of the program: A re-examination of the conceptual framework as an organizing strategy

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Along the way to developing a theory of the program: A re-examination of the conceptual framework as an organizing strategy

Deborah L Helitzer, Andrew L Sussman, Richard M Hoffman, Christina M Getrich, Teddy D Warner and Robert L Rhyne

Evaluation and program planning, Vol.45, pp.157-163

08/2014

DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2014.04.005

PMID: 24836998

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/8162028View

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Abstract

•Conceptual frameworks are blueprints for evaluation research for interventions.•We present a case study of conceptual framework development and revision.•We present seven “how to” steps to iterative development of a conceptual framework.•Lessons learned about process of conceptual framework development are included. Conceptual frameworks (CF) have historically been used to develop program theory. We re-examine the literature about the role of CF in this context, specifically how they can be used to create descriptive and prescriptive theories, as building blocks for a program theory. Using a case example of colorectal cancer screening intervention development, we describe the process of developing our initial CF, the methods used to explore the constructs in the framework and revise the framework for intervention development. We present seven steps that guided the development of our CF: (1) assemble the “right” research team, (2) incorporate existing literature into the emerging CF, (3) construct the conceptual framework, (4) diagram the framework, (5) operationalize the framework: develop the research design and measures, (6) conduct the research, and (7) revise the framework. A revised conceptual framework depicted more complicated inter-relationships of the different predisposing, enabling, reinforcing, and system-based factors. The updated framework led us to generate program theory and serves as the basis for designing future intervention studies and outcome evaluations. A CF can build a foundation for program theory. We provide a set of concrete steps and lessons learned to assist practitioners in developing a CF.

Conceptual framework

Formative research

Theory

Evaluation research

Intervention design

Details

Title: Subtitle: Along the way to developing a theory of the program: A re-examination of the conceptual framework as an organizing strategy
Creators: Deborah L Helitzer - Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of New Mexico, United States
Andrew L Sussman - Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of New Mexico, United States
Richard M Hoffman - New Mexico VA Health Care System (Department of Internal Medicine, UNM), United States
Christina M Getrich - Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of New Mexico, United States
Teddy D Warner - Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of New Mexico, United States
Robert L Rhyne - Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of New Mexico, United States
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Evaluation and program planning, Vol.45, pp.157-163
DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2014.04.005
PMID: 24836998
NLM abbreviation: Eval Program Plann
ISSN: 0149-7189
eISSN: 1873-7870
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Language: English
Date published: 08/2014
Academic Unit: Epidemiology; General Internal Medicine; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984094357302771

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