An Infrastructure Model for Evaluating Tobacco Control Programs

Audience: The model of Infrastructure discussed will provide relevant information that tobacco control funders, evaluators/researchers, and program implementers need to measure success.

Key Points:

Tobacco control programs have well defined outcome measures such as the, “Key Outcome Indicators for Evaluating Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs.”  However, the infrastructure (or inputs) required to achieve outcomes and program sustainability has not been clearly defined.  This is particularly problematic when considering programs where contexts for infrastructure and implementation differ, are complex and evolving.  Unfortunately, in the rush towards program implementation there is often inadequate attention paid to the building of infrastructure.  Core capacity is inadequate and maintenance then becomes more challenging and sustainability is unlikely. 

Educational Experience: In this interactive session, we provide a way to think about infrastructure, by introducing a model of infrastructure.  This evidence-based model is one way to depict the interactions of multiple elements and layers of infrastructure that can be included in evaluation/monitoring.  We will discuss the complexities of deconstructing and defining infrastructure and its link to outcomes, program implementation, and sustainability. A representative from a state tobacco control program will provide the practical implications of this model for tobacco control programs.

Benefits: A model of Infrastructure could provide the information that grant planners, evaluators/researchers, and program implementers need to measure success; to link infrastructure to capacity; and understand the likelihood of sustainable health achievements.  This model could strengthen the link between tobacco control infrastructure and outcomes, allowing programs to demonstrate progress on milestones when it takes time for distal outcomes to be realized.