Improving Equity in Access to Palliative Care Collaborative Evaluation Framework
The Improving Equity in Access to Palliative Care Evaluation Framework (PDF) is a flexible roadmap for evaluating initiatives to improve access to equity-oriented palliative care.
The framework uses a decolonized approach to evaluating programs. Culture and context guide the evaluation’s key questions, design, data collection, analysis and knowledge sharing. This means valuing all data sources equally, including:
- Qualitative methods
- Quantitative methods
- Indigenous knowledge translation
- Expressive arts
- The use of metaphors
The framework provides sample measures and examples of how to evaluate programs aimed at improving access to equity-oriented palliative care.
Decolonization is the process of returning power to Indigenous Peoples, supporting self-determination and self-governance and respecting nation-to-nation governance. In a program evaluation context, decolonization means confronting and challenging colonial evaluation practices and reflecting on the structure of evaluation (questions, design, data collection, analysis, knowledge sharing) and how project teams will tell the story.
Decolonization in program evaluation also includes recognizing Indigenous data sovereignty as a cornerstone of cultural resurgence and nation (re)building, which involves collecting data and using it with the intent to benefit First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, families and communities. An urgent priority of decolonization is to eliminate discrimination and racism (includes anti-Indigenous racism) in the healthcare system and its effects on people experiencing homelessness or vulnerable housing.
Who this framework is for
This framework was created to support organizations participating in the Improving Equity in Access to Palliative Care collaborative to evaluate their initiatives. It may also be used by other organizations working to improve access to equity-oriented palliative care.
Why this work matters
The health outcomes of people experiencing homelessness or vulnerable housing are in stark contrast to the general population, with substantially greater risk of disease, morbidity and mortality. The Federal Action Plan on Palliative Care highlights the importance of taking action to improve access to palliative care for underserved populations, including improving access to culturally safe and appropriate care. Evaluating equity-oriented palliative care programs can help address system barriers and improve access to high-quality care.
