Related Experiment Videos
Independent living: methodology for measuring long-term outcomes
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|February 1, 1982
Summary
Developing effective long-term outcome measures for independent living (IL) programs is crucial. This study presents a workable ranking and weighting methodology for evaluating IL and medical rehabilitation outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Disability research
- Rehabilitation medicine
- Health services research
Background:
- Measuring long-term outcomes for independent living (IL) programs is a significant challenge in disability research.
- Existing measures may not align with the core philosophy of the IL movement or policy needs of funding bodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce two novel long-term outcome measures for independent living (IL) programs.
- To ensure these measures reflect both IL principles and funding agency requirements.
Main Methods:
- Examined outcomes for 111 individuals with spinal cord injuries post-discharge from 10 rehabilitation centers.
- Utilized a ranking and weighting approach by an interagency panel (providers, consumers, funders).
Main Results:
- A high degree of consensus was achieved among panelists regarding outcome ranking and weighting.
- The developed methodology proved effective in assigning value judgments to outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The proposed ranking and weighting methodology is a viable approach for creating long-term outcome measures.
- This method can successfully incorporate value judgments essential for evaluating independent living and medical rehabilitation programs.