Viable methods for evaluation of community-based rehabilitation programmes.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to discuss some viable and practically feasible methods for evaluation of community-based rehabilitation (CBR) programmes in developing country settings.


METHODS
Based on review of literature the role of qualitative approaches for evaluation of CBR programmes are analysed.


RESULTS
Aspects of the qualitative paradigm are discussed. The specific qualitative methods of case studies, focus groups, nominal groups, participatory techniques, content analysis, and key informant interviews are deliberated.


CONCLUSIONS
Viable alternatives to the qualitative paradigm offer promise in evaluation of CBR programmes. Issues in qualitative designing, sampling, data collection, analysis, and interpretation are discussed. The classical, quantitative paradigm needs to be complemented with viable qualitative methods for evaluation of CBR programmes.
Sharma
Manoj
M
School of Health, Physical Education & Recreation, University of Nebraska at Omaha & and Walden University, 68182-0216, USA. msharma@mail.unomaha.edu
D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods*; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States