Evaluability assessment as a tool for research network development: Experiences of the complementary and alternative medicine education and research network of Alberta, Canada

Abstract

Many research networks have emerged as means to increase research involvement, build research capacity, and develop a research culture, but little is known regarding their effectiveness. Evaluations require that networks have a clearly specified program theory and clearly specified objectives; many networks do not. This article describes the experience of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Education and Research Network of Alberta, a network that undertook a modified evaluability assessment to assist in developing the network and to plan a meaningful evaluation. Lessons learned may help other research networks to think strategically and plan for effective evaluations. Copyright © 2006 Canadian Evaluation Society.