title: Making program evaluation activities family-centered: a qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa , Ottawa, Ontario , Canada .
authors: Katherine A
authors: KA
authors: Moreau
authors: J Bradley
authors: JB
authors: Cousins
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005192:Family Health / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D058996:Quality Improvement; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers
keywords: Children; family-centered; pediatrics; program evaluation