Evaluation of a Pilot Project in Service Coordination

Abstract

Research indicating a need for increased coordination of mental health services in a small Canadian city impelled the design of a 6-month, service coordination pilot project. The project aimed to improve service effectiveness and increase service provider and client satisfaction. Client-chosen service coordinators attempted to increase the amount ofinformation sharing and joint treatment planning among service providers for individual clients. Because few projects of this kind have been adequately evaluated, comprehensive process and outcome evaluations were incorporated in the design. Following a 1-month baseline data collection period, clients were randomly assigned to coordination or control groups. Project implementation and out come were monitored using daily service coordinator reports and pre-post data from clients, service coordinators, and service providers. Results indicated that the project was neither implemented as intended, nor did it meet its objectives. Discussion focuses on the effectiveness of the present evaluation design and future implementations of such ventures.

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