Choosing Evidence-Based Approaches (Programs, Policies, Practices)

A Comprehensive Framework

Objectives

Understand what it means to have a comprehensive evidence-based framework

Understand use of tools to help choose evidence-based approaches

Comprehensive Plan

Awareness of the existing approaches addressing the issue

Supporting or enhancing existing approaches addressing the issue

Identifying gaps / identify approaches to address gaps (the identified issue)

Steps in Process

A: Utilize Needs Assessment Results B: Conduct Gaps Analyses C: Know the Criteria of “Evidence-Based” D: Search for Approaches (Programs,

Policies, Practices) E: Establish Fit

Step A: Utilize information from Needs Assessment Results

What are the priority issues/intervening variables identified?

What are the current approaches/resources in place to meet these needs?

Step B: Conduct a Gap Analysis What does a gap analyses reveal about how

well the issues/intervening variables are currently being addressed? Is there enough “dosage”? Is it the right population? Does it cover the geographical region of focus? Are there issues with the current approaches (when is

funding running out, are they evidence-based, etc.)? How is your coalition? Are there any improvements

needed?

Step C: Know the criteria for “evidence-based” approaches

Included on Federal Lists or Registries of evidence-based interventions

(a promising approach is fine);

OR

Reported (with positive effects) in peer-reviewed journals;

OR

Documented effectiveness based on guidelines for evidence

(detailed description on next page)

If you are choosing a program that is not found on a federal registry or peer-reviewed journal, ALL of the following

must be met to demonstrate “documented effectiveness” under Colorado Prevention Partners:

1) An outside evaluator has written a comprehensive evaluation report which includes:

2) A pre-post quantitative design using statistical analyses; and3) A thorough literature review of the theoretical basis behind the

approach; and4) A comparison group (which could be comparable data such as

national or state-level data); and5) Positive findings!

Documented Evidence (3rd criteria for evidence-based)

Step D: Search for Evidence-Based Approaches Federal lists/registries have national-

online-searchable databases Peer-reviewed journals can be accessed

via public or university library Documented Evidence internet search for

evaluation studies and ?

Step E: Establish Fit

Does it address your priority intervening variables?

Does it address the underlying factors, intervening variables, risk and protective factors?

Step E: Establish Fit

Does it Address Key Gaps?

Does it enhance an approach currently in place?

Does it start a new approach not currently in place?

Step E: Establish Fit

Is It Appropriate?

Does it fit the community’s capacity, resources, and readiness?