What does process evaluation assess during the implementation of an intervention?

Process evaluation is a critical component of program evaluation that specifically focuses on assessing how an intervention operates during its implementation phase. It examines whether the intervention was executed as planned, looking at the fidelity of implementation, adherence to protocols, and the quality of the activities carried out.

By evaluating the implementation process, practitioners can determine if the components of the intervention were followed correctly, identify any barriers or facilitators that impacted execution, and gather insights into how the implementation can be improved for effectiveness. This focus is essential, as understanding the implementation process can help in adjusting strategies in real-time and inform future interventions.

While the other options address important aspects of program evaluation, such as outcome impact, cost-effectiveness, and community response, they do not specifically pertain to the implementation phase as process evaluation does. This distinction clarifies the purpose and focus of process evaluation in a comprehensive evaluation strategy.