Economic Evaluation of Intergenerational Programs: Suggested Measures and Design

ABSTRACT

Multiple aspects of intergenerational programs present challenges for evaluators. Broader measures and perspectives are needed particularly with respect to informing economic evaluations of intergenerational programs. The study aims to (1) Identify impact measures suitable for an economic evaluation of a mixed generation program; (2) Design an economic evaluation that compares these program impacts with current services. The suggested evaluation design includes perspectives from children, parents, adult care recipients, caregivers and service providers. Measures for inclusion were based on the literature and selected using a set of criteria and stakeholder interviews. To inform economic evaluations of mixed generation programs we recommend a quasi-experimental design using measures of experience/satisfaction, quality of life/wellbeing, willingness to pay, burden of care and service utilization. The suggested economic evaluation measures and design will guide future programs of mixed generations in the pursuit of cost-effective and sustainable service options in this rapidly evolving service environment.

KEYWORDS:

• Evaluation
• intergenerational program
• quality of life
• willingness to pay
• quasi-experimental
• measures

Acknowledgments

The research reported in this publication is part of a Griffith study of Intergenerational Care titled: A trial to evaluate innovative models of care: Implementing an intergenerational learning program for Australians living with cognitive decline (IGC) (HREC: 2017/986). Core funding to support IGC is provided by the Department of Health Scheme: Dementia and Aged Care Services Fund (DACS) (Grant Activity ID: 4-424CN56). The IGC project was conceived by Dr Katrina Radford, Professor Anneke Fitzgerald and Dr Nerina Vecchio. Expert advice and contributions were provided by the Research Investigators throughout the project: Associate Professor Neil Harris, Dr Jennifer Cartmel, Professor Wendy Moyle, Associate Professor Tracy Comans, Dr Paul Harris, Ms Dianne Holman-Taylor, Ms Liz Drew, Professor Susan Kurrle, Dr Dianne Goeman. The authors are also thankful for the contributions of the Project Manager, Xanthe Golenko, as well as past and present research and administrative staff. The authors gratefully acknowledge the contributions of Wesley Mission Queensland; Churches of Christ Queensland; Blue Care, Coomera; Bonny Babes Childcare Centre; Little Hands Early Learning Centre, Southport; CASS Care, and all those who participated in the study. The authors would also like to acknowledge the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai hospital and health fund for their previous support of this project.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Department of Health Scheme: Dementia and Aged Care Services Fund (DACS) [Grant Activity ID: 4-424CN56].