The three levels of evaluation commonly used in health education program planning include proximal, prenatal and postpartum. Proximal refers to the physician’s immediate observations of a physical condition. Prenatal and postpartum evaluate after a woman gives birth and is monitored by the mother throughout her pregnancy. The third level, prenatal, is used for evaluating the overall health of the fetus when pregnant. While all three levels are important, each should be assessed carefully in a specific health situation.
Proximal evaluation is the first use of evaluation in healthcare. Proximal observation means that the physician notices something that is abnormal about a symptom. In most situations, this is the only time that a physician can make an educated judgment call and make a referral to a specialist. There are many different types of prenatal care testing that can be used to evaluate pregnancy-related symptoms and risks. A doctor may want to schedule a follow-up visit with the patient to monitor things at postpartum.
The second level of evaluation, prenatal, is often utilized as a way to educate women on the importance of taking prenatal vitamins and supplements during pregnancy. This evaluation is extremely important for health care providers to know that their patients are receiving what they need. Prenatal visits are also critical because these exams help to detect gestational diabetes and other diseases. A health care provider may refer to a prenatal vitamin booklet during a prenatal visit to educate patients on the importance of their vitamins.
The third level of evaluation, postpartum, is used frequently by new mothers. It involves an assessment of symptoms and signs that a woman experiences after giving birth. These assessments are often done within thirty minutes of delivery. Postpartum hemorrhage, diaper rash and pain are common problems that can be assessed during this level of care.
The fourth level of evaluation commonly used in health education programs is that of immunizations. Many diseases can be prevented with immunizations and by educating patients on how to receive their routine immunizations, health care providers will be better able to care for their patients.
Immunizations are usually recommended ages 20 months and older. Children younger than age five who have never received routine immunizations can be immunized if their doctors feel the child is eligible.
The evaluation process can be completed in one of three ways.
- Levels I, II and III can all be completed in one visit with a primary care physician or by calling an immunization clinic.
- Level I involves a visit with the physician to collect health information and then to complete the health evaluation. Levels II and III require more in depth visits with the physician and a pharmacist.
- These visits generally involve more screening and laboratory work to collect more information.
- These are the most commonly used methods of evaluating the health and wellness of patients, but in some cases other methods are used to assess the health of individuals.
