| Abstract: | This paper describes the efforts of the SEARCH/AHEC Program of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center to base the conduct of administration of its most important program component largely on results of a comprehensive survey of potential recipients of its services. Three major evaluation problems were encountered. Two of these were primarily political in nature, the other was analytical. They involved the entire range of functions associated with the survey, from collection of the data, to its analysis, dissemination and use. Management of these problems required compromise. Useful product was attained through the application of somewhat unconventional techniques, and the success of this exercise bears witness to the wisdom of employing these measures. Future annual resurvey is expected to leave its mark on all aspects of management of the program and to underlie its planning to an even greater extent than that here described. |
