A Model for Evaluating Collaborative Health Care Programs for Children With Special Needs

Abstract

As health care professionals are being challenged to become more collaborative with and accountable to parents and managed care organizations in the provision of diagnostic and treatment services, the development of more systematic and responsive procedures for program evaluation are needed. This article reviews the general issues related to program evaluation and the unique concerns related to evaluating collaborative disciplinary health care programs. A model for evaluating collaborative disciplinary programs for children with special health care needs is described. A comprehensive review system is used to evaluate process components of the program (productivity, utilization, accountability, continuity, and coordination). Questionnaires, interviews, and chart reviews are utilized to evaluate outcome variables, including consumer satisfaction, medical outcomes, and psychosocial outcomes. Implications for improving future evaluation efforts and clinical practice are discussed.