Evaluating children's rehabilitation services: an application of a programme logic model

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Rehabilitation
• Special Education
• Program Evaluation

Background:

• Children with special needs face challenges transitioning from pre-school to kindergarten.
• Effective therapy services are crucial for supporting this transition.
• Evaluating these services requires systematic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a new therapy service for children with special needs during their transition to kindergarten.
• To apply a program logic model for a comprehensive service evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a program logic model to assess service process and outcomes.
• Employed mixed methods: quantitative (Goal Attainment Scaling, Measure of Processes of Care, Client Satisfaction Questionnaire) and qualitative interviews.
• Data collected from parents and service providers at a children's outpatient rehabilitation center in Ontario, Canada.

Main Results:

• Children met or exceeded transition goals set by therapists and parents.
• Parents reported higher satisfaction with the new service compared to the provincial average.
• Qualitative data corroborated quantitative findings and offered insights for future service improvements.

Conclusions:

• The program logic model facilitated a collaborative and systematic evaluation of the therapy service.
• This model is a valuable tool for evaluating other children's services efficiently.
• The new therapy service demonstrated positive short-term outcomes for children and their families.