Problem-Intervention-Outcome Meta-Model Project Design

Building on the Problem-Intervention-Outcome Meta-Model (PIO MM) single group before-and-after design, intervention effectiveness research, quality improvement activities, and program evaluation design strategies are addressed in this chapter, with examples of designs that may be constructed based on this fundamental meta-model. Such designs may build on any aspect of the model to show and relate multiple populations of interest, problems, and interventions, along with related contextual factors. Variations on the single group before-and-after design are presented with particular attention to details regarding the use of observational datasets. The use of comparisons for population characteristics, interventions, and outcomes is described. Time as a property of the model and an aspect of data collection is discussed. The use of a mixed methods approach is suggested as a way of validating findings.