Models for evaluating teaching in consultation-liaison psychiatry: II. Decision-oriented research

Area of Science:

• Program evaluation
• Organizational assessment
• Health services research

Background:

• Liaison programs require effective evaluation methods.
• Existing evaluative research often lacks a decision-oriented approach.
• A need exists for a concise tool to assess program effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a Program Audit Form (PAF) for evaluating liaison programs.
• To demonstrate a decision-oriented approach to evaluative research.
• To provide a standardized tool for program assessment and comparison.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Program Audit Form (PAF).
• Inclusion of three key information categories: administrative arrangements, program description, and program feedback.
• Application of a decision-oriented framework for evaluative research.

Main Results:

• The PAF provides a comprehensive overview of a program's strengths and weaknesses.
• It offers a basis for informed decisions regarding program modifications.
• The form is designed for minimal data collection, requiring no specialized personnel or significant expense.

Conclusions:

• The PAF is a valuable, user-friendly tool for evaluating liaison programs.
• It facilitates evidence-based decision-making for program enhancement.
• The PAF enables cross-institutional program comparisons through standardized administrative descriptors.