The Administration on Aging (AoA) is sponsoring an initiative to develop and field-test a core set of performance measures for state and community programs on aging operating under Title III of the Older Americans Act (OAA). Entitled the Performance Outcomes Measures Project (POMP), this initiative helps States and Area Agencies on Aging address their own planning and performance reporting needs, while assisting AoA to meet the accountability provisions of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) and the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) program assessment requirements. OMB uses their Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART) to evaluate program performance. The collection of timely, accurate, and comparable data is of growing importance with GPRA, the advent of PART, and related state and local initiatives that link continued funding to demonstrated program benefits and outcomes.

Building on the Results of Earlier POMP Demonstrations

Over the past six years, AoA has sponsored the Performance Outcome Measures Project for Older Americans Act (OAA), Title III programs. This project with SUAs and AAAs has produced a core set of performance measurement instruments. The instruments have been developed to identify elements of service quality for critical OAA services through a consumer assessment methodology. The instruments also measure special needs characteristics of the people who receive services such as physical and social functioning. Other measurement tools address the adequacy and benefit of services that support family caregivers. Performance measurement tools developed under POMP can be located at www.gpra.net.

Consumer assessment surveys have enabled AoA and our State and AAA partners to demonstrate that services provided by the National Aging Services Network:

• Are highly rated by recipients
• Are effectively targeted to vulnerable individuals and those who need services
• Provide assistance to individuals and caregivers that is instrumental in allowing older persons to maintain their independence and avoid premature nursing home placement.

These results also enabled AoA to attain a PART rating of 81 percent during the FY 2005 budget formulation cycle.

The POMP project is in the process of evolution. Last year, for the first time, two types of grants were awarded. Standard POMP grants were awarded for the purpose of developing a comprehensive consumer assessment survey, a provider survey, and recommendations for the content of the POMP website. Advanced POMP grants were awarded for the purpose of developing methodologies to measure program impacts in a manner that can be associated with costs.

Project Objectives and Activities

The purpose of POMP 7 is to continue to work with performance measurement surveys to fill in existing gaps in the current arsenal of POMP developed performance measurement tools and develop “final versions” of the instruments for use throughout the Aging Network.

For this year, the purpose of Standard POMP will be to continue the development of performance measurement instruments as follows:

• Develop a methodology and tool for Statewide Performance Measurement.
• Develop “Final Versions” of performance measurement surveys.
• Develop a performance measurement dissemination plan.
• Participate in website enhancement activity.

A brief discussion of the four topic areas follows:

Develop a Methodology and Tool for Statewide Performance Measurement

Both GPRA and Section 202(f) require the establishment of performance outcome measures. AoA has complied with these requirements by conducting national surveys, using performance measurement instruments developed under earlier POMP projects. Participation in these surveys is voluntary. Most States and AAAs support the survey efforts, but for those who do not it is time to consider performance measurement alternatives. Therefore, POMP grantees are asked to develop a methodology and tool for Statewide Performance Measurement. Grantees may develop either a survey methodology or reporting system. Grantees will not be expected to conduct pilot tests this year. Grantees may choose to work collaboratively with the POMP workgroup, or independently. Technical assistance will be provided to grantees working collaboratively.

Develop “Final Versions” of Performance Measurement Surveys

It is important for AoA, States, and AAAs to use consistent performance measurement tools. While the revisions to the instruments have been useful, it is now time to determine what versions we will work with from year to year. Using the POMP Surveys and National Surveys, grantees will be asked to determine the content of our best and final version of the POMP surveys. During the development of the “Final Versions” grantees should also identify 6-10 key questions for use in service specific modules. No new data collection will be conducted for the existing POMP surveys. Grantees may, however, develop one new performance measurement tool. Data collection for new tools is encouraged. Grantees are asked to work collaboratively on the development of “Final Version” instruments. Grantees may work collaboratively or independently in the development of one new performance measurement instrument. Technical assistance will be provided to grantees working collaboratively.

Develop a Performance Measurement Dissemination Plan

Now that the final performance measurement instruments are being developed, it is also important to develop a strategy to broaden the usage of performance measurement throughout the Aging Network. Encouraging the use of performance measurement by States and AAAs that do not participate in POMP is the goal. Grantees are requested to develop a plan for national dissemination of the POMP performance measurement tools. Grantees may work collaboratively or independently. Technical assistance will be provided to grantees working collaboratively.

Participate in Website Enhancement Activity

Under the current Standard POMP project, grantees are developing recommendations for retooling the POMP website (www.gpra.net) to make it more useful and easy to use for States and AAAs not participating in the POMP project. Over the course of the next year, enhancements will be proposed for the website and grantees will be asked to assess the utility of these enhancements. Grantees are requested to work collaboratively. Technical assistance will be provided.