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Formative evaluation plays a crucial role in enhancing program quality by obtaining measurements and judgments before or during execution. This type of evaluation allows health educators and program designers to assess the ongoing process and make real-time adjustments based on the feedback collected. By focusing on the development and implementation stages, formative evaluation helps identify strengths and weaknesses early on.

Gathering data during these phases leads to immediate improvements and adaptations, ensuring that the program is effectively meeting its goals and addressing the needs of the participants. For instance, conducting surveys or focus groups during the program can reveal areas where participants may struggle or where the program can be enhanced, enabling timely modifications that contribute to better outcomes.

In contrast, focusing solely on financial metrics does not provide insights into the program's effectiveness or relevance to participants. Collecting participant feedback after implementation is less beneficial because it may not address issues that could have been resolved during the program if identified earlier. Ignoring the implementation process altogether would prevent any meaningful assessment, limiting the potential for program improvement. Thus, formative evaluation's emphasis on ongoing assessment and real-time feedback is vital to enhancing program quality.