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We review government funding of small NGOs as a mechanism to promote international development, taking the UK Civil Society Challenge Fund (CSCF) as a case study. Within a broad institutional economics perspective, we contrast two possible justifications for such support – evidence of positive impact and political expedience. Qualitative research suggests that empirical evidence of the positive impact of NGO actions funded through CSCF was relatively weak. Political expedience helps to explain why this was tolerated. The failure to generate better impact evidence can also be attributed to the lack of consensus about how to do so more rigorously, combined with a willingness to give small NGOs the benefit of the doubt in the absence of credible negative evidence of impact. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Collaborative practice is receiving increased attention as a model of healthcare delivery that positively influences the effectiveness and efficiency of patient care while improving the work environment of healthcare providers. The collaborative practice assessment tool (CPAT) was developed from the literature to enable interprofessional teams to assess their collaborative practice. The CPAT survey included 56 items across nine domains including: mission and goals; relationships; leadership; role responsibilities and autonomy; communication; decision-making and conflict management; community linkages and coordination; perceived effectiveness and patient involvement; in addition to three open-ended questions. The tool was developed for use in a variety of settings involving a diversity of healthcare providers with the aim of helping teams to identify professional development needs and corresponding educational interventions. The results of two pilot tests indicated that the CPAT is a valid and reliable tool for assessing levels of collaborative practice within teams. This article describes the development of the tool, the pilot testing and validation process, as well as limitations of the tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People whom the author would like to thank for their assistance in the creation of the journal are mentioned including Rene Almeling, Lorenzo Beltrame, and Kean Birch.