What does the term "outcomes" refer to in a logic model?

In the context of a logic model, the term "outcomes" primarily refers to the long-term effects attributed to a program. Outcomes represent the changes that occur as a result of the program's implementation and indicate the ultimate goals that stakeholders aspire to achieve. They go beyond just immediate results, capturing the lasting effects on individuals, communities, or systems as a consequence of the program activities and outputs.

While immediate results might be captured under the term "outputs," which refer to the direct products of program activities, the long-term effects or outcomes reflect the broader impact and signify whether the program is successful in achieving its intended goals. This distinction is critical in program evaluation since it helps in understanding not only what was accomplished immediately but also the sustained changes that might arise over time.

Financial resources or activities taken to implement a program are not categorized as outcomes; they fall into different levels of the logic model framework. Understanding the different layers of a logic model helps clarify the significance of outcomes within the context of evaluating program effectiveness.