The development of a national evaluation framework for the First Link® program across Canada

Abstract

AbstractIn Canada, the Alzheimer Society’s First Link® program connects people living with dementia and their caregivers to the information, supports and services they need as early as possible and throughout the progression of the disease. Since its launch in 2002, First Link® has been implemented in all provincial societies across Canada. We have developed a national evaluation framework to guide the Alzheimer Society to gather data to assess First Link’s® impact on the health system. This work has been conducted with active engagement and consultation with the Alzheimer Society, persons living with dementia and their caregivers and other health system stakeholders. We have also received guidance from a national project advisory committee of stakeholders. A contribution analysis lens was used to understand how the First Link® program may contribute to health system outcomes. First, we assessed the current state of the First Link® program across Canada and developed a theory of change. Key informant interviews with First Link® staff, clients and community referral partners, as well as those without direct experience with the First Link® program, were used to gather evidence to build upon and test the theory of change. We then mapped all available and potential data sources to the theory of change to develop a draft evaluation framework with indicators that show program impact. The draft evaluation framework will be presented to stakeholders for feedback and tested and revised in a rapid cycle evaluation at a representative group of Alzheimer Society pilot sites. The outcomes of this initiative will provide data to support the Alzheimer Societies’ efforts to build a national case for ongoing, sustainable funding for First Link®.