Program evaluation as a method of assessing the quality of care in physiotherapy

Assessing quality of care is a topical subject in physiotherapy. This paper traces the involvement of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association in quality assessment, and describes the components of the quality assessment process in relation to professionally defined standards. It considers available information as to whether process studies, outcome studies, or a combination of these should be undertaken in determining the quality of care. Finally it proposes the use of a comprehensive program evaluation to assess the quality of care in a physiotherapy program for stroke patients. Four steps in the use of this model are outlined: assessment of needs; formulation of program goals; definition of program and design of evaluation; and assessment of process and outcome. The use of this model is advocated for it provides information on how and why a program does or does not make its desired impact.