Florida MAPP Field Guide
Terms Used in Objective Setting
Outcome Objective The level to which a health or LPHS problem
should be reduced within a specified time period. Long term, realistic, measurable
outcome objectives should relate directly to strategic goals.
These are statements about how much and when the program should affect the
health or LPHS problem. The desired outcome objective is the quantitative
measurement of the health or systems problem at some future date and is
something that the program can and should accomplish.
Example: By 2010, the incidence of
Haemophilus Influenza B among children
enrolled in day care in the United States will be less than
100 cases per year.
Impact Objectives The level to which a direct determinant or
risk factor is expected to be reduced within a specified time period.
Intermediate (1-5 years) realistic measurable impact objectives relate
directly to risk factors or determinants of the health problem.
These are statements about how much and when the program should affect the
determinant. Impact objectives are quantitative measurements of
determinants at some future date.
Example: 95 percent of two year old children in
My County, Floridawill befully
immunized in accordance with the 2 year old
schedule of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices by December 31, 2007.
Process Objective Action statements aimed at affecting one or
more of the contributing factors that influence the level of risk factors
and determinants. Short term (usually one year), realistic measurable
process objectives relate to immediate activities that
will make a difference, ultimately, in impacts and outcomes.
Example: Increase the proportion of day care
centersthat are effectively enforcing the immunization law from 75 percent to
90 percent by October 31, 2005.
