A survey of program evaluation practices in family-centered pediatric rehabilitation settings

Eval Program Plann. 2014 Apr:43:1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2013.10.002. Epub 2013 Oct 24.

Abstract

Program evaluation is becoming increasingly important in pediatric rehabilitation settings that adhere to the family-centered service (FCS) philosophy. However, researchers know little about the specific evaluation activities occurring in these settings or the extent to which evaluators/service providers uphold FCS in their program evaluation activities. Through a questionnaire survey, this study aimed to document evaluators/service providers' perceptions of the level of program evaluation occurring in their Canadian pediatric rehabilitation centers. It also investigated the extent to which evaluators/service providers perceive program evaluation practices at their centers to be consistent with the FCS context of Canadian pediatric rehabilitation settings. The findings suggested that the amount of evaluation activities occurring within the respondents' centers is variable; that the majority of individuals working in program evaluation do not have formal training in it; and that the respondents' centers have limited resources for evaluation. The study also showed that staff members believe their centers' evaluation activities are somewhat consistent with FCS philosophy, but that improvements are needed.

Keywords: Canadian; Family-centered service; Program evaluation; Rehabilitation; Survey.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Canada
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Developmental Disabilities / rehabilitation*
  • Disabled Children / rehabilitation*
  • Female
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pediatrics / methods
  • Pediatrics / standards
  • Professional-Family Relations*
  • Program Evaluation / methods*
  • Program Evaluation / standards
  • Rehabilitation Centers / organization & administration
  • Rehabilitation Centers / standards*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires