Getting program feedback is easier than you think. You don't need a complex research design or statistics to get valuable information and feedback from users about the efficacy of your program.
Evaluating your program can help determine the quality of your program, through user satisfaction ratings and utilization. You can also track how many people act upon the information provided in the text message.
There are a variety of methods that can be used to evaluate your program. A short survey, focus groups, and direct output metrics are a few ways you can collect data for your program evaluation.
You may find that, with the proper incentive, you can ask enrollees to take a brief survey to answer more specific questions. Most web-based systems allow you to track opt ins, opt outs, and other metrics during the course of your project. You should also consider the effectiveness of different marketing media on enrollment.
The questions below are examples of ones that can be used on pre- and post-test surveys.
For more information on collecting data and evaluating a program, explore the resources below:
Keep going to review text messaging Best Practices.
Real World Example - Results of Evaluation of Second Dose Study
Investigators at Public Health - Seattle & King County (PHSKC) developed a pilot text message program that could be used in an emergency situation. They also wanted to know whether the community would be willing to sign up for a text message program offered by the health department. During a mass flu vaccination exercise, PHSKC asked parents of children who needed two doses of flu vaccine if they would like to receive a text message reminding them to return for a second dose of vaccine.
Learn About a Successful Pilot Program
Results:
This information suggested that public health audiences are interested in reminders via text message. Additionally, programs should start small and then expand.
Real World Example - Results of Evaluation of Employee Emergency Texting Program
Public Health - Seattle & King County (PHSKC) designed an emergency texting program that allowed employees to receive texts during emergency situations. The program was tested during a 2012 snow storm. Fifteen messages were sent over the course of five days, alerting employees to late work-day starts, site closures, and commuting reminders. In the week following the snowstorm, more than 180 employees responded to an online survey evaluating employee satisfaction with the texting program.
Results:
This information suggested that, by and large, the emergency texting program was useful and appreciated by employees. As a result of the evaluation findings, PHSKC program administrators continued to send only emergency messages, and only when relevant. They also tried to provide customized information when possible.