Issues in the evaluation of a community psychogeriatric service.
The need for evaluation of community psychogeriatric programs is stressed. The results of the evaluation of an outpatient service, with a liaison component, based in a community general hospital are presented. The use of treatment outcome scales, user satisfaction surveys, and a study of cost effectiveness are discussed. The issues of needs assessment, service models, staffing, target population, and the role of the family physician are addressed. It is recommended that evaluation processes be initiated by psychogeriatric services and that program data collection be developed in a manner that allows for service comparability, the assessment of ongoing community needs and the determining of program effectiveness.
Harris
A G
AG
Psychogeriatric Service, Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, Burlington, Ontario.
Marriott
J A
JA
Robertson
J
J
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000639:trends*; D003688:Deinstitutionalization / Q000639:trends; D003704:Dementia / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006295:Health Resources / Q000639:trends; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000639:trends; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D009864:Ontario; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000639:trends*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000639:trends*