Evaluation research in the workplace within an action research framework

Abstract

The Emergency Cardiac Care Committee (ECCC) of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba (HSFM) was established in 1976 to teach Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to the general public in Manitoba. An action research framework designed study was conducted to evaluate the activities of the ECCC of the HSFM. An evaluation committee which included members from various areas of the HSFM was formed to be a representative action research group responsible for the evaluation process. The study evaluated six areas of the Emergency Cardiac Care Program (ECCP): goals and objectives, resources, staff support, structure of the ECCC, importance of the ECCC to the HSFM, and inter-agency relationships. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected by questionnaire administration. The study group of 40 respondents comprised of the ECCC members and instructor trainers in Manitoba. The evaluation study was conducted to gain insight into the ECCP, its objectives, and how they were being met from the respondent's perspective. A personal reflection at the end provides the researcher's insights on the action research process. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)