A holistic approach for quantifying the value of public health programs: social return on investment (SROI) analysis of a mobile clinic as an example

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new way to measure the value of public health programs using SROI, showing a mobile eye clinic created $40 of community value for every $1 invested.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the use of SROI analysis to evaluate public health programs beyond traditional economic metrics.

Findings

The program generated approximately $40 of community value for every $1 invested.

Improved quality of life, confidence, and self-esteem in children were key outcomes valued by stakeholders.

Abstract

Public health programs often face challenges in demonstrating their full impact through traditional evaluation methods or economic approaches such as cost–benefit analysis or cost-effectiveness analysis.

Using a social return on investment (SROI) analysis approach, we evaluated the broad social and economic impact and value created by UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic’s Pre-School Vision Program. This program screened 90,000 pre-school children in underserved areas of Los Angeles County between 2012 and 2017, providing glasses and referrals as needed. The evaluation study employed mixed methods consistent with the process of SROI analysis.

Results indicate the strong positive impact and value of the program, generating approximately $40 of value in the community for every $1 invested. Various outcomes were identified by key stakeholders, with the most valuable being improved quality of life for pre-school children who received glasses. Other highly valued outcomes included increased confidence and self-esteem of the children, their decreased dependency on others, and their increased responsibility.

These findings suggest that increased provision of mobile clinics for communities including children living in underserved areas could produce significant value. Findings also demonstrate the relevance of SROI for evaluating and quantifying the impacts of public health programs more broadly.

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