J Nutr Health.  2024 Dec;57(6):685-698. 10.4163/jnh.2024.57.6.685.

A study on the improvement of evaluation scheme for the installation and operation of Center for Children’s and Social Welfare Foodservice Management: utilizing interviews with center stakeholders and external experts

• Kim J
• Han D
• Oh J
• Ryou Hj
• Hwang JY
• Kim K
• Park S

• KMID: 2564174
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4163/jnh.2024.57.6.685

Abstract

Purpose
This study examined the evaluation indicators and frameworks for assessing the effectiveness of the Center for Children’s and Social Welfare Foodservice Management.
Methods
A qualitative research design was used, including focus group discussions and indepth interviews cond1ucted with 26 stakeholders, such as center staff, community nutrition experts, and performance evaluation specialists. The interviews were recorded with the participants’ consent, and the transcribed data were analyzed using framework analysis to identify key patterns.
Results
The findings highlight several critical issues in the current evaluation framework, including over-reliance on satisfaction surveys, insufficient utilization of checklist data, and a lack of long-term outcome measures. The participants recommended improving satisfaction surveys by diversifying the respondents and refining methodologies. Systematic data management was also highlighted as essential, particularly for data collected by center nutritionists during site visits. These data are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of overseeing and educating cooks and staff in children’s and social welfare facilities. For the long-term outcome indicators, the participants suggested integrating national health datasets to monitor the food consumption patterns, such as fruit and vegetable intake or sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among children, and tracking medical expenses or hospitalization rates for elderly daycare center users. Well-designed intervention studies were recommended to develop more robust evaluation indicators, particularly for assessing the impact of the centers on the health and quality of life of the elderly.
Conclusion
Therefore, comprehensive and standardized evaluation systems should be implemented to enhance operational efficiency and service quality. The proposed evaluation scheme can better evaluate and support the health and well-being of vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, by aligning these systems with the centers’ mission of ensuring safe and nutritious food services.

Keyword

children; social welfare; food services; program evaluation; qualitative research