Assignment 2-GDM Study

             While reading this article, I was able to make some definite personal connections.  Close friends of mine have experienced this condition so I understand how important it is to identify and educate pregnant women of risks and methods of prevention.

There was so many things to look at in this study.  I was curious about how they got everyone to the facility.  I am thinking that transportation was paid for and it was included in the program.    I was also intrigued at how they supplied participants with materials to take home or read there.  For this study I chose to goals to focus on:

1)   First Nations women have higher rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) than non-First Nations Women.

2)   Exercise should be used as a primary prevention strategy for type 2 diabetes.

Looking at a study where exercise is being used to help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes will benefit other Aboriginal women not only in Saskatchewan but those across Canada as well.

Stufflebeam’s CIPP Model is an effective tool that can be used in order to evaluate this program.   It is a very thorough model and very easy to follow.  The graphic organizer he uses to explain his model, mirrors that of Saskatchewan Curriculum by centralizing his model around the goals.    

            I like that the purpose of Stufflebeam’s model is not to “prove but improve” (P. 4) I do say that statement with a bit of caution as There is plenty of information provided to the evaluator for the context (C) of the program.   Researchers recorded excellent data (I) around what was occurring in the study.  While documenting this, the researchers would have information to measure the effectiveness what the participants were doing.   The process (P) was clearly outlined in the document as far as formatively evaluating the program.   For longitudinal data to occur, participants would have to be monitored for years after they finished the program (summative evaluation).   Stufflebeam’s model allows for a product (P) where improvements can be made during the program.

            I feel the information gathered during this study would be invaluable to not only Aboriginal women but all women of child bearing age regardless of race or ethnicity.  The Provus-Discrepancy Model would contribute in the delivery of this program to the public. Health officials would be made aware of effectiveness of the program and using this model will compare whether preventative care is a more cost effective treatment than to treat post childbirth issues.

            Using this two-model method one would establish if the program is beneficial to continue or what changes to make.