Skill acquisition and client movement indices. Implementing cost-effective analysis in rehabilitation programs.

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Science
• Program Evaluation
• Behavioral Health

Background:

• Rehabilitation programs require effective evaluation methods.
• Traditional cost-benefit analyses can be challenging in rehabilitation settings.
• There is a need for non-monetary outcome measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a cost-effective approach for client and program evaluation.
• To introduce two novel indices for measuring client progress.
• To discuss challenges and solutions for cost-effective analysis in rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Skill Acquisition Index (SAI) to measure behavioral skills.
• Development of the Client Movement Index (CMI) to assess client independence and productivity.
• Application of these indices in formative program evaluation.

Main Results:

• The Skill Acquisition Index and Client Movement Index provide non-monetary outcome measures.
• Data demonstrate the utility of SAI and CMI in formative program evaluation.
• Identified challenges in implementing cost-effective analyses within rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

• The developed indices offer a practical and cost-effective evaluation solution.
• These tools can enhance the formative evaluation of rehabilitation programs.
• Strategies are proposed to overcome implementation barriers for cost-effective rehabilitation program evaluation.