What do "service outputs" refer to in a program?

"Service outputs" refer specifically to the tangible units of service that a program generates. This concept is critical in program evaluation and management, as it quantifies what a program delivers in terms of services provided to clients or the community. For example, if a social work program offers counseling services, the number of counseling sessions conducted would be considered a service output.

Understanding service outputs is essential for evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of a program. It helps stakeholders assess whether the program is meeting its objectives and fulfilling the needs of its target population. In contrast, financial costs, satisfaction ratings, and staffing levels, while important components of program evaluation, do not directly measure the output or the volume of services provided to clients.