Expert consensus on best evaluative practices in community-based rehabilitation.

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Science
• Public Health
• Community Development

Background:

• Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is crucial for integrating persons with disabilities into society.
• Standardized and effective evaluation practices are needed to optimize CBR program outcomes.
• Expert consensus is vital for establishing best practices in CBR evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve expert consensus on optimal evaluative practices for community-based rehabilitation (CBR).
• To define key features and methods for CBR evaluation processes.
• To determine the utility and nature of a shared framework for reporting CBR evaluation findings.

Main Methods:

• A two-round Delphi study involving 42 international experts in CBR.
• Recruitment of experts from diverse geographical and disciplinary backgrounds.
• Quantitative and qualitative analyses to synthesize expert opinions and generate recommendations.

Main Results:

• Consensus was reached on 13 recommendations for best CBR evaluative practices.
• Essential qualities for CBR evaluation include inclusivity, participation, empowerment, and cultural/linguistic respect.
• Experts recommended mixed methods, participatory tools, and a combination of universal and local indicators.
• A flexible, shared framework combining the CBR Matrix and CBR Principles was agreed upon for guiding evaluations.

Conclusions:

• Expert consensus provides a foundation for best practices in CBR evaluation.
• Future knowledge transfer initiatives should focus on developing guidelines, tools, and training for CBR program evaluation.
• CBR evaluation should prioritize inclusive, participatory, and culturally sensitive approaches, utilizing mixed methods and a flexible, shared framework.