This set of guidelines was written to provide a systematic explanation of the process of evaluation applied to Regional Medical Programs, as required by Public Law 89-239. Goals of the programs are the improvement of health care of patients suffering from heart disease, cancer, stroke and related diseases and improvement in the practice of health professionals. The first step in evaluation is the development of objectives--both immediate and long range. The second phase is the selection or design of measuring instruments or the design of other procedures to collect data that will lead to evidence for evaluation. Next comes the collection of data--from the health professional as a participant in a learning experience and as practitioner, and also from society. The fourth phase is analysis of the data; then judgment is made of how well objectives have been met. (A checklist is included; an appendix gives examples of decisions and modification.) (PT)