Document 1951
 DOCN  M94A1951
 TI    Facilitating participatory evaluation: a case study of TASO.
 DT    9412
 AU    Anderson S; Kaleeba N; Kalibala S; Kaseje M; Katabira E; Ssebbanja P;
       van Praag E; World Health Organization, Global Programme on AIDS,
       Geneve,; Suisse.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):414 (abstract no. PD0264). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370624
 AB    OBJECTIVE: In 1993 after more than 5 years of AIDS care. The AIDS
       Support Organization (TASO) undertook a participatory evaluation of its
       clinical, counselling and social support services, with technical
       assistance from WHO/GPA. This paper examines the methodology of the TASO
       study to demonstrate the process and outcome of a participatory
       evaluation. METHODS: The study was carried out in 7 centres over a
       period of 12 months and comprised the following steps: brainstorming by
       TASO staff on the objectives; planning for the evaluation with active
       participation of TASO staff; training of TASO personnel; data collection
       and analysis; and dissemination of findings to TASO staff and others.
       Structured and unstructured interviews, focus group discussions,
       observations and case studies were used. Clients gathered temporary
       information from fellow clients about their experiences with TASO
       services. RESULTS: With one external consultant and technical advice
       from WHO/GPA (WHO/GPA acting as the facilitator), TASO staff were able
       to discover, discuss and use evaluation methods and decide on measurable
       indicators to assess their services. TASO staff, clients and donors all
       had opportunities to jointly interpret data and draw conclusions before
       further dissemination. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: While the
       participatory evaluation process has been lengthy, it provided a
       practical learning experience. Required changes were identified and
       owned by TASO. The evaluation results helped strengthen 1) the care
       services by highlighting problems and solutions; and 2) the monitoring
       system by identifying specific measurable indicators. TASO demonstrated
       that indigenous NGOs have the will and capacity to evaluate their
       effectiveness in AIDS care, and that with relevant support, acquired
       skills for assessing services to PWAs and their families and monitoring
       services in a manner conforming to the rigorous demands of an evaluation
       exercise can be accomplished.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PSYCHOLOGY/REHABILITATION/  *THERAPY
       Counseling  Europe  Human  Organizations, Nonprofit/*ORGANIZATION &
       ADMIN  *Social Support  Switzerland  Treatment Outcome  World Health
       Organization  MEETING ABSTRACT

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       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).