Core competencies of health program evaluators: A scoping review

Health program evaluation is important in assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of health interventions within communities. Despite its significance, there remains a limited understanding of the essential competencies required for effective evaluation. This scoping review aimed to systematically identify core competencies that have been successfully utilised by health professionals in evaluating community programs. A systematic search was conducted across three health databases, to identify four key articles. Thirty program evaluation competencies were described, across functions of description and analysis of the actual health programs. Authors and participants described these competencies in terms of their importance and application in evaluating community programs. The importance of balancing descriptive skills with cultural sensitivity and an awareness of the complex interactions between the program and the community was highlighted.