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Community-Based Monitoring (CBM) is a participatory process in which citizens gather evidence on services to hold governments accountable to their commitments. Research on CBM for health in developing countries has mostly measured its impact on service performance. Overall, these studies have produced mixed evidence of CBM’s effectiveness. This has led some authors to question the role of civic engagement, especially in communities where expectations from public services and power to demand for change are low. This conclusion, we argue, overlooks the role of the CBM process in fostering both participation and social change. Drawing from qualitative research with the Indian grassroots women’s organisation Mahila Swasthya Adhikar Manch, we argue that CBM can foster political capabilities through mediating communities’ relationships with the state as well as relationships within communities. The engagement of women and their power to demand for change in the health sector and beyond emerges at the intersection of these two spheres. This suggests that measuring the impact of CBM on health services is not sufficient. Expanding the focus of research on CBM to its process is necessary to fully understand the role of civic engagement and to restore its political relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional Neurological Disorders are characterized by sensory-motor or cognitive symptoms. Recent research has revealed their complex nature involving biological, psychological, and social factors. Care requires a multidisciplinary approach, which, to date, has yet to be considered. A Constructivist Grounded Theory study was conducted to understand the reasons behind this, exploring Functional Neurological Disorders diagnosis, communication, and understanding from multiple perspectives (patients and healthcare professionals). The core category was “negotiating Functional Neurological Disorders meanings and care amid a dissatisfying dichotomy,” with sub-categories: i) seeking to “word” the disease, ii) exposing reductionism, and iii) a pluralist vision emerging. Diagnosing and communicating Functional Neurological Disorders is a process of negotiating meanings and care that hinges on participants’ diverse ontological perspectives regarding the condition. Results highlight the difficulty in finding common ground and achieving mutual understanding among the various viewpoints, creating a challenge in establishing a unified approach to Functional Neurological Disorders care. In this context, only a few healthcare professionals emphasized the potential benefits of increased integration. A shift is required from a reductionist to an integrated biopsychosocial perspective to develop a more cohesive approach. Defining a medical paradigm through dialogue with teams and patients is essential in addressing Functional Neurological Disorders effectively. Furthermore, the required interdisciplinary approach holds the potential to mitigate the dissatisfaction arising from fragmented and compartmentalized care (the “dissatisfying dichotomy”) experienced by our participants. It signifies a comprehensive strategy that could address the concerns of all involved parties and enhance the overall quality of care provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]