1. How could quality standards benefit target populations?
Inputs
Activities
Outputs
Reach
Outcomes
Impact
Existing quality standards
Development of EDPQS and support materials
Introductory materials
Decision makers
Awareness of ‘quality’ as an issue
Increased quality of preventive work
EMCDDA Manual & Quick Guide
‘EDPQS champions’
Practitioners
Motivation to achieve quality standards
Changes in professional prevention culture
Translation/ adaptation and publication of quality standards
Funding
Programme developers
Skills (e.g. knowing how to apply EDPQS)
Potential target audiences
EDPQS Toolkits
Researchers
Evaluators
Dissemination of EDPQS
Better outcomes for target populations
New sets of standards based on EDPQS
Supportive partners
Adoption (using EDPQS)
EDPQS champions
Trainers
This slide shows a simplified version of the EDPQS Theory of Change. The Theory illustrates the mechanisms through which the introduction of quality standards is supposed to lead to better outcomes for target populations, thus also emphasising under what conditions the EDPQS can achieve their aim.
In a presentation, the last two columns should be highlighted. Under “Outcomes”, it is hoped that dissemination of the EDPQS will help people to become aware of the need for quality in prevention, to become motivated to meet quality standards, and develop the skills required to apply quality standards. This should then lead to people adopting quality standards in their work (e.g. using them to review prevention activities) and taking the necessary steps to improve prevention practice. This would lead to the desired “Impact”: increased quality of preventive work, changes in the professional culture, and better outcomes for target populations.
The slide reminds us that the ultimate aim of any prevention-related activity, including the introduction of quality standards, is to achieve better outcomes for target populations.
For more information about the theory of change, please refer to the document “EDPQS Theory of Change”, available for free at
Implementation activities
Outputs of dissemination activity (e.g. workshops)
Supportive structures
Implementation (changing how things are done)
General public
Ultimate target populations
The ultimate aim of EDPQS is to achieve better outcomes for target populations