Cramer Mary E, Wendl Mary J
a College of Nursing , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , Nebraska , USA.
J Agromedicine. 2015;20(2):105-15. doi: 10.1080/1059924X.2015.1010067.
Coalitions that are effectively organized and led are more likely to achieve their intended program outcomes and impacts, as well as achieve sustainability. External evaluation of the coalition's governance and leadership can help identify strengths and areas for improvement. This article describes the evaluation of the Children's Agricultural Safety Network (CASN)-a national coalition, or network of 45 organizational members. The conceptual framework, Internal Coalition Outcomes Hierarchy, guided the evaluation. We used a mixed-methods approach to answer study's primary objectives from the perspective of CASN members and leaders for (a) organizational effectiveness, (b) network impact, and (c) member benefits. We collected quantitative data using a survey and the Internal Coalition Effectiveness (ICE) instrument. Focused interviews were conducted by phone to gather rich data on examples. Combined findings showed that both members and leaders rated the CASN effective in all construct areas that define successful coalitions. Members feel as invested in CASN success as do leaders. The major impact of CASN has been as a national leader and clearinghouse for childhood safety issues, and the most frequently cited example of impact was the national tractor safety campaign. Members identified the benefits of CASN membership as networking, resource sharing, and opportunities to enhance their knowledge, skills, and practices in the area. Members also valued the national attention that CASN was able to bring to the important issues in childhood agricultural safety. Suggestions for improvement were to focus on more research to improve best practices and strengthen dissemination and implementation science.
组织有效且领导得力的联盟更有可能实现其预期的项目成果和影响，并实现可持续发展。对联盟治理和领导能力的外部评估有助于找出优势和改进领域。本文介绍了对儿童农业安全网络（CASN）的评估，这是一个由45个组织成员组成的全国性联盟或网络。概念框架“联盟内部成果层次结构”指导了此次评估。我们采用混合方法，从CASN成员和领导者的角度回答该研究的主要目标，即（a）组织有效性、（b）网络影响和（c）成员利益。我们通过一项调查和“联盟内部有效性（ICE）”工具收集定量数据。通过电话进行了聚焦访谈，以收集关于实例的丰富数据。综合研究结果表明，成员和领导者都认为CASN在定义成功联盟的所有构建领域都很有效。成员和领导者一样，都对CASN的成功投入颇多。CASN的主要影响是成为儿童安全问题的全国领导者和信息交换中心，最常被提及的影响实例是全国拖拉机安全运动。成员们认为加入CASN的好处包括建立联系、资源共享，以及有机会提升他们在该领域的知识、技能和实践能力。成员们还重视CASN能够为儿童农业安全的重要问题带来全国性关注。改进建议是专注于更多研究，以改进最佳实践，并加强传播和实施科学。
