How should Service Coordinators measure performance and track outcomes?
Performance measurement involves monitoring and reporting on key metrics that indicate whether a program is successfully carrying out planned activities that are necessary to achieve desired outcomes. By measuring performance and tracking resident outcomes, ROSS Service Coordinators can assess the results of their ROSS program, identify areas in need of adjustment, and make a strong case for additional program support when building partnerships or seeking additional support from service providers, funders, and PHA leadership.
The remainder of this section covers key terms in performance measurement—outputs and program efficiency metrics, outcomes, and indicators—and how they apply to the ROSS program. (See the textbox for more information on each of these key terms.) In the discussion below, we illustrate these terms by using an example of a ROSS program that works with families with children and has a goal of improving children’s educational achievement.
Key terms
Outputs are the direct products of a program’s activities and services. They are usually described numerically to indicate the size and/or scope of the services and products delivered by a program, or as participation rates in program activities. Outputs indicate whether a program was delivered to the intended audience at the intended “dose.” Other terms for outputs are “deliverables” or “units of service.”
Program efficiency metrics are measures of how well the program is operating. They measure the extent to which the program has the necessary infrastructure, processes and procedures to support the achievement of target outcomes for residents.
Outcomes are the benefits or changes experienced by participants as a result of the outputs provided by the ROSS program. Tracking outcomes provides an indication of the effectiveness of the ROSS program. Outcomes can be quantitative and qualitative.
Indicators are the metrics for outcomes. To provide a meaningful indication of progress, indicators should be measurable and quantifiable, and reference a specific time period within which the outcome should be achieved.
To learn more about performance measurement, see Measuring Outcomes (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Compassion Capital Fund).