How do you use evidence-based practices to design and implement your program?

1 Identify your problem and goal

The first step is to identify the problem you want to address and the goal you want to achieve with your program. This will help you narrow down your focus and define your target population, needs, and desired outcomes. You can use data from your own organization, your community, or other sources to understand the scope and severity of the problem and the gaps in existing services or solutions.

2 Review the literature and best practices

The next step is to review the literature and best practices related to your problem and goal. You can use online databases, journals, websites, or reports to find relevant research and evidence on what works and what doesn't work for similar problems and populations. You can also consult experts, peers, or partners who have experience or knowledge in the field. You should look for EBPs that have strong theoretical foundations, high-quality evidence, and clear implementation guidelines.

3 Select and adapt your EBP

The third step is to select and adapt your EBP based on your context and resources. You should choose an EBP that matches your problem, goal, population, and setting, and that is feasible, acceptable, and sustainable for your organization and stakeholders. You should also consider how you can adapt the EBP to fit your specific needs and circumstances, while maintaining its core components and fidelity. You can use tools such as logic models, theories of change, or fidelity checklists to help you plan and document your adaptation process.

4 Implement and monitor your EBP

The fourth step is to implement and monitor your EBP according to your plan and guidelines. You should follow the EBP's protocol and procedures as closely as possible, and use appropriate staff, materials, and equipment. You should also monitor your implementation process and outcomes regularly, using data collection methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, or tests. You should use data analysis tools such as spreadsheets, graphs, or software to track your progress and performance, and identify any challenges or opportunities for improvement.

5 Evaluate and disseminate your EBP

The fifth step is to evaluate and disseminate your EBP to measure its impact and share your results. You should use an evaluation design that suits your purpose, questions, and resources, and that follows ethical and professional standards. You should use data analysis tools such as statistics, tables, or charts to summarize and interpret your findings, and compare them with your baseline and expected outcomes. You should also use communication tools such as reports, presentations, or stories to disseminate your findings to your funders, stakeholders, and audience, and to highlight your achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.

6 Learn and improve your EBP

The sixth step is to learn and improve your EBP based on your evaluation and dissemination feedback. You should use your findings and feedback to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, and to identify what worked and what didn't work for your program. You should also use your findings and feedback to make informed decisions and changes to your program, such as modifying your goals, activities, or indicators, or scaling up or replicating your program to other settings or populations. You should also use your findings and feedback to inform your future planning and development of new or existing programs.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?