Making program evaluation activities family-centered: a qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose: This study explored ways in which program evaluation activities in pediatric rehabilitation settings can become congruent with family-centered service (FCS) philosophy. Methods: Two Canadian pediatric rehabilitation centers participated in this study, which included focus groups with staff members and interviews with parents. Results: Participants identified seven ways in which program evaluation practices could be made congruent with FCS. Suggestions included: (a) the inclusion of a diverse group of program recipients, (b) the use of processes that facilitate family involvement, (c) the recruitment of family champions, (d) the involvement of families in program development, (e) the establishment of evaluations that are relevant to families (f) the development of center-wide statements about family involvement in evaluation and (g) the compensation of families for their active participation in evaluation. Conclusion: For program evaluation practices to be useful and relevant, they should be improved and made consistent with FCS philosophy. Those evaluating pediatric rehabilitation programs need to use approaches and activities that respect the needs, characteristics, cultures and diversity of the program recipients. Such actions will help to improve the quality of care provided, the nature of program evaluation activities, as well as the overall level of FCS in pediatric rehabilitation settings.Implications for RehabilitationBy incorporating family-centered activities into program evaluation processes, clinicians/evaluators can improve the overall level of and adherence to FCS philosophy in their centers, enhance the quality of care provided and, thus, contribute positively to the outcomes of program recipients and their families.Those evaluating pediatric rehabilitation programs need to use evaluation approaches and activities that respect the needs, characteristics, cultures and diversity of the program recipients.By engaging program recipients and their families in program development, they may become more engaged in program evaluation.