Practical guidance on undertaking a service evaluation.

Abstract: This article describes the basic tenets of evaluation, focusing on the evaluation of health care services. The importance of evaluation in the current health care climate and the need for nurses to understand some of the principles of evaluation are discussed. Evaluation is defined and theoretical approaches are explained, providing insight into the types of evaluation conducted. Essential features of preparing for an evaluation are considered along with some key guidance on working ethically in the National Health Service. The importance of involving patients and the public in evaluation activity is expounded, offering some key guidance and principles of best practice. Finally, some of the challenges of undertaking evaluations are considered with suggested ways forward offered which are drawn from our experience as evaluators.