Two-year evaluation of the logic model for developing a psycho-oncology service.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to test whether reorganizing a psycho-oncology service in a planned and focused manner would maximize the achievement of coherent developmental goals.


METHODS
The logic model, a strategic program development tool, was used in the context of a public psychiatry fellowship to analyze and plan the organizational objectives of a psycho-oncology service. To assess the efficacy of the logic model, a two-year prospective evaluation of the model's outcome measures was performed.


RESULTS
The psycho-oncology service was systematically reorganized through use of the logic model. Qualitative and quantitative data identified the degree of goal achievement. Most of the short- and medium-term clinical, educational, and research goals, as measured by outcome measures, had been realized at the two-year point.


CONCLUSIONS
The logic model facilitated the effective reorganization of a psycho-oncology program by analyzing the existing service, developing pertinent goals, and then measuring goal attainment. These findings will be useful to psychiatric services interested in rational program development and service delivery, especially in small and medium hospitals with limited resources.
Levin
Tomer
T
Psycho-Oncology Program of Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York 11040, USA. tlevin@lij.edu
Weiner
Joseph S
JS
Saravay
Stephen M
SM
Deakins
Susan
S
D000124:Achievement; D000465:Algorithms; D006801:Humans; D008128:Logic; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D009518:New York; D016522:Oncology Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D016730:Program Development; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000193:education*; D017150:Public Sector; D012106:Research / Q000458:organization & administration