In order to maintain our programs, we have to give regular accounts of the extent of their benefits.  By doing so, we are ensuring the quality of our services, constantly improving them, and involving health-care staff, families, and the university and research sectors in our work.   The recognition of therapeutic clowning and its benefits is an important part of our long-term mandate. 

Maintaining high-quality programs

By setting up an assessment process that includes in-depth qualitative research, we are making sure that Dr Clown meets its objectives outlined below, through the implementation of its programs: 

	The quality of the relationship between the artists and the patients.
	The broader effect on family members and staff.
	The degree to which the therapeutic clown approach complements  pre-existing services.
	The staff’s acceptance of the artists’ involvement in treatment and educational programs.

In short, we get to know the expectations of staff, family, and the patients themselves, then we adjust our services accordingly.

Collaboration with health-care staff and families

By drawing up a research plan with health-care facilities, and by conducting interviews and distributing questionnaires, we can work together with health-care and administrative staff.  Our evaluations also make some patients and families feel they are contributing by sharing their perceptions of the care they have received.

Collaboration with university and research sectors

Eventually, we would like to work in association with a university to pursue more in-depth qualitative and quantitative research.

For further information: psychosocial@drclown.ca

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