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Journal Article
|Research

Monitoring and evaluating psychosocial intervention outcomes in humanitarian aid

de Jong K, Ariti C, van der Kam S, Mooren TTM, Shanks L, Pintaldi G, Kleber RJ
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Monitoring and evaluating psychosocial intervention outcomes in humanitarian aid | Journal Article / Research | MSF Science Portal
Abstract
Existing tools for evaluating psychosocial interventions (un-validated self-reporting questionnaires) are not ideal for use in non-Western conflict settings. We implement a generic method of treatment evaluation, using client and counsellor feedback, in 18 projects in non-Western humanitarian settings. We discuss our findings from the perspective of validity and suggestions for future research. A retrospective analysis is executed using data gathered from psychosocial projects. Clients (n = 7,058) complete two (complaints and functioning) rating scales each session and counsellors rate the client's status at exit. The client-completed pre- and post-intervention rating scales show substantial changes. Counsellor evaluation of the clients' status shows a similar trend in improvement. All three multivariable models for each separate scale have similar associations between the scales and the investigated variables despite different cultural settings. The validity is good. Limitations are: ratings give only a general impression and clinical risk factors are not measured. Potential ceiling effects may influence change of scales. The intra and inter-rater reliability of the counsellors' rating is not assessed. The focus on client and counsellor perspectives to evaluate treatment outcome seems a strong alternative for evaluation instruments frequently used in psychosocial programming. The session client rated scales helps client and counsellor to set mutual treatment objectives and reduce drop-out risk. Further research should test the scales against a cross-cultural valid gold standard to obtain insight into their clinical relevance.

Subject Area

mental healthsocial violence & exclusion

Languages

English
DOI
10.1371/journal.pone.0157474
Published Date
17 Jun 2016
PubMed ID
27315263
Journal
PLOS One
Volume | Issue | Pages
Volume 11, Issue 6
Issue Date
2016-06-17
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