ABSTRACT
This chapter gives an outline of the key factors to be considered in planning an evaluation of a frontline collaboration project, drawing on experiences of researchers involved in evaluating projects. Evaluations that are not planned properly are likely to be inefficient and gather data that does not necessarily offer useful conclusions as to whether or not the project was a success. Ideally, the following issues need to have been addressed before the project has started: timing and purpose. Anyone designing an evaluation should plan to consult those involved as widely as possible before they begin work on the design. The type of evaluation will depend not only on the purpose of the evaluation but also on other factors such as cost and time constraints. The NHSE distinguishes between three different types of evaluation. They are: project monitoring, process evaluation, and outcome evaluation.
