Evaluation for Learning in Primary Health Care Organizations: Aspirations, Realities and Lessons From Australia
Abstract
ABSTRACT This article examines tensions between the accountability and learning functions of evaluation through a case study of an evaluation capacity building (ECB) initiative undertaken in an Australian primary health care setting. We describe the ECB approach and strategies and identify enablers and barriers influencing their implementation and sustainability. The analysis shows that longstanding compliance and metric‐driven governance at the national level restricts opportunities for locally meaningful, learning‐oriented evaluation. The paper concludes by highlighting key themes that shaped the learning potential of evaluation in the case study. The insights presented may assist evaluators and ECB practitioners working in similarly complex and dynamic policy environments where accountability narratives dominate.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Evaluation and Performance Assessment
Public Policy and Administration Research
Health Policy Implementation Science
Publication details
- Journal / source
- New Directions for Evaluation
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 2026
- Issue
- 190
- Pages
- 23–29
- Publication date
- 1 June 2026
- Language
- EN