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Final Reflection & Tips

 As the semester and our project come to a close, I wanted to take time to reflect on our project and how I will employ the skills I have learned in the future. I found the evaluation plan a helpful last assignment because it guided us through the intricate steps of determining how to measure progress throughout time. By separating indicators into three distinct groups (process, progress and summative), I was able to better distinguish the differences between them and the unique importance of them all. The sample budgets also enabled me to better visualize how this plan could be implemented in real life. It showed me that this plan could be more than merely an exercise for class!

Overall, I appreciate how we had to zero in on a very specific public health problem and target population. At first, researching HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer among young adult men in Harlem was a challenge, as there is limited information about this population in this geographic area. However, after getting creative, our team was able to find invaluable research. We also relied on our key informant interviews for assistance in more specific subject areas that were not accessible through online research.

Below are a few pieces of advice for the future:

1. Take advantage of the time you have with subject matter experts. They have information that you may not be able to find elsewhere, and this information can play a key role in enhancing your communication plan.

2. Get creative with your communication tactics. New media has become increasingly prevalent, so think creatively when incorporating it into the action plan.

3. Lean on your teammates for suggestions and collaboration! Although my team split up the work for most assignments, asking each other for advice and suggestions brought new perspectives into the conversation and enriched our plan.


[Posted by Morgan Parker]

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