Lessons Learned from Formative Evaluation: A Case Study of the Care Prevention Program in Japan

Abstract

The objective of this research was to study The lessons learned from the formative evaluation of the Care Prevention Program in Japan. The sample was 8 staff members from two municipalities (Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefectures) in urban areas in Japan. All participants were representatives at the policy and practitioner level of the program. An interview with questions concerning program policy was used as a research instrument. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The study revealed that this program was implemented through five steps 1) conducting a survey 2) network mobilization 3) activity planning 4) promoting the program and 5) evaluation. The strength of the program was the variety of the activities in various dimensions: physical, psychological and social. Most of the activities were designed to match with the characteristics of the older adults to encourage them to be active. A weakness of the program was in a lack of public places to organize the activities, as well as The high cost of renting venues for activities. However, factors that make the program effective include selecting community appropriate venues, creating a mechanism for public civil society and providing an operation manual. In summary, it can be concluded that, apart from health activities, other activities within the multi-dimensional range could help improve the program.  In addition, understanding the situation and the context of each community could strengthen the program and aid in selecting appropriate venues for organizing activities.