Appropriateness

In the focus on effectiveness, efficiency, and economy, the appropriateness of programs, projects, policies, and products is often ignored—to the detriment of sound judgments about worth. To evaluate appropriateness, one of two comparisons is made. The program may be compared to the needs of the intended clients, using any of the techniques of needs analysis. Alternatively, the program can be evaluated in terms of its compliance with process. In health, for example, some evaluations focus on appropriate care, including treatment of conditions (heart disease) or events(childbirth). Appropriateness can be determined through expert review of individual cases.