Developing a program theory for a project and evaluate the project based on this program theory has both its merits and limitations. These merits and limitations in turn may be depend on the existing attitude towards a particular program theory. This study is about exploring how different phases and parts of the national learning project Care on equal terms (2011-2014) functioned in relation to the program theory developed in the beginning of the project. The result shows that the program theoretical perspective on the project contributed to a better structuring of the various forms of evaluation, given a broader understanding of the project's components and provided better opportunities to improve monitoring of the project by the research team in collaboration with the project management of the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR) and the participating health care units.