Are potential participants willing and able to make the time commitment required by the program?
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In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of evidence‐ based programs designed to reduce individual and family problems and promote healthy development. Because each program has undergone rigorous testing and evaluation, program practitioners can reassure potential program sponsors that the program is likely to be effective under the right conditions, with the appropriate audience and with the proper implementation.
However, knowing which program is the “right” one for a particular setting and audience is not always easy to determine. When selecting a program, it is important to move beyond current fads or what the latest salesperson is selling and consider whether a program fits with the local agency’s goals and values, the community setting and the needs of the targeted audience.
The long‐term success of a program depends on the program being not only a good one, but also the right one. Unfortunately, there is currently little research on how to best go about the process of selecting an evidence‐based program. Consequently, the guidelines we present in this brief are based primarily on our experiences working with community‐based organizations, the experiences of practitioners, and common sense.
We have identified a number of factors that we believe should be considered when deciding which program is the most appropriate for a particular audience and sponsoring organization. These factors can be grouped into three general categories: program match, program quality and organizational resources.
In order to assist with the process of program selection, we have developed a set of questions to consider when selecting an evidence‐based program for your particular agency and audience.
WHAT WORKS, WISCONSIN – RESEARCH TO PRACTICE SERIES
Guidelines for selecting an evidence‐based program: Balancing community needs, program quality, and organizational resources
Guidelines for Selecting an Evidence‐Based Program 2 What Works, Wisconsin – Research to Practice Series, #3
Program match: Questions to ask :
- How well do the program’s goals and objectives reflect what your organization hopes to achieve?
- How well do the program’s goals match those of your intended participants?
- Is the program of sufficient length and intensity (i.e., “strong enough”) to be effective with this particular group of participants?
- Are potential participants willing and able to make the time commitment required by the program?
- Has the program demonstrated effectiveness with a target population similar to yours?
- To what extent might you need to adapt this program to fit the needs of your community? How might such adaptations affect the effectiveness of the program?
- Does the program allow for adaptation?
- How well does the program complement current programming both in your organization and in the community?