CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) Practice Exam 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Process evaluation plays a crucial role in improving performance during the implementation of a program. It focuses on the actual delivery of the program and examines how the components are carried out, providing insights into what is working well and what may need adjustments. By monitoring the methods employed, the fidelity of implementation, and participant engagement, process evaluation can identify areas that require immediate attention or modification.

This real-time feedback is essential, as it allows program implementers to make necessary changes while the program is still in operation. These adjustments can enhance the effectiveness of the program and contribute to its overall success by ensuring that it meets the needs of its target population effectively.

In contrast, summative evaluation typically assesses the outcomes of a program after it has been fully implemented, focusing on the overall impact rather than ongoing improvement. Meta-analyses compile and summarize findings from various studies to draw broader conclusions but do not directly influence current implementation. Research often relates to gathering new data or testing theories, which may not provide the immediate feedback needed for mid-course corrections in a program.