Evaluation of a Breast Cancer Screening Program in Nigeria using the Evaluability Assessment Model

Abstract

There exists a paucity of policies and programs that support breast cancer screening in Nigeria. There is a clear need for effective programs that are cognizant of the local realities in Nigeria. The evaluability assessment model can be used as a cost effective and quick alternative to traditional evaluations to improve program practices and management and develop performance measures. This study uses an evaluability assessment to determine if a breast cancer screening program in Lagos, Nigeria was achieving its objectives and to adjust their activities to improve outcomes and processes to optimally serve its community. The evaluability assessment revealed the programs objectives are plausible given its resources and context. Program recommendations focused on improving staff management, developing benchmarks to measure outputs and outcomes, and examining more effective methods of disseminating program information to target population. This study is used as an example of how the six-step evaluability assessment model can be adapted to a multitude of programs to appraise program practices or performance measures.