Implementing Evidence-Based Programs

There is an ever increasing focus on evidence-based programs and practices in the health and human services fields. Over the past decade, this interest in evidence-based practice has gained significant momentum in the child... [ view full abstract ]

There is an ever increasing focus on evidence-based programs and practices in the health and human services fields. Over the past decade, this interest in evidence-based practice has gained significant momentum in the child welfare and children’s mental health service sectors. More than ever before, expectations, especially from funders, are that service agencies will utilize practices that have demonstrated efficacy and effectiveness. While the benefits of using evidence-based programs and practices seem evident, research suggests that evidence-based practice is often poorly understood and agencies frequently struggle with implementation. The result is that agencies fail to achieve the full potential of evidence-based practices and the positive outcomes for children and families associated with them. Building upon the previous presentation’s introduction to implementation science, this presentation will delve deeper into the processes for successfully implementing evidence-based programs and practices.

In particular, this presentation will discuss critical supports and strategies for overcoming barriers and ensuring successful implementation of evidence-based practices. Implementation often requires extensive periods of knowledge acquisition, skill development, coaching and consultation, as well as adequate funding and structural supports, for sustainable practice changes to be achieved. The role of agency leadership in creating an environment that supports the implementation of evidence-based practice will be highlighted. Additionally, the importance of practice fidelity and the incorporation of ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement processes will be discussed, as well as some of the limitations to evidence-based practices and ways these limitations may be addressed.