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; and 3)A thorough literature review of the theoretical basis behind the approach; and 4)A comparison group (which could be comparable data such as national or state-level data); and 5)Positive findings! Documented Evidence (3 rd 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?