Evaluability study of the health research induction program in Brazil to mitigate problems related to extreme poverty

ABSTRACT

The multidimensionality of poverty was the central premise of the Brazilian Without Misery Plan (2011-2014), which aimed at eradicating misery in the country. The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation coordinated a health research induction program that promoted research aimed at producing knowledge to mitigate problems related to misery. The evaluability study was guided by the theoretical and methodological instrument of the Theory of Change, which allowed us to trace the path from the initial scenario to an expected scenario, based on the induction results, represented in the logical model of the program, in which the structure, processes, and results were also described. Through document analysis and interviews with stakeholders, it was possible to identify the objectives, expected results of the program, as well as the public benefited by it and by the evaluation of the program’s results. This study guided the planning of the assessment that followed, as well as the definition of the Canadian model, to measure the return on health research investment as a methodological strategy. The limitations were recognized, as well as the issues that favored the implementation and development of the induction program. It is further hoped that this study may contribute to evaluations and/or pre-evaluations of other similarly targeted programs.

KEYWORDS:
Poverty areas; Poverty; Brazil; Program evaluation