Don't forget about the evaluation findings! Use of a follow-up action plan

Evaluation reports are an effective way to document methods, findings, and lessons learned. But what happens after the report is shared? Without an intentional plan to apply findings, lessons learned are often left behind. In this presentation, we will share our experience about how programs benefit when they have the support of evaluators to develop follow-up action plans based on evaluation findings. Using the Epidemic Intelligence Service 2022 selection process evaluation as a case example, we will recount our experience operationalizing step six of CDC’s Framework for Program Evaluation to translate evaluation findings and incorporate lessons learned into the next selection process. In telling our story about how evaluation does not end at the report, we will share our experience of working closely with intended users to strategize and implement a written plan to act upon recommendations. Attendees will learn about strategies to engage intended users of the evaluation during the development of the follow-up plan, tools that support integration of evaluation findings into programmatic activities, and ways to document the use of findings. This session will be helpful to attendees interested in the strategic application of evaluation findings and in building program capacity to promote use of evaluation findings.