The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68340

Lee Crandall, PhD¹, Jaime L Maerten, MS², and Lisa M Olds, MS². (1) Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami, PO Box 016069, Miami, FL 33101, (305) 243-3021, LCrandal@med.miami.edu, (2) Comprehensive Drug Research Center, University of Miami, 1801 NW 9th Avenue, Room 300 (D-93), Miami, FL 33136

The Comprehensive Drug Research Center (CDRC) at the University of Miami entered into a partnership with the Florida Department of Children and Families and SAMHSA/CSAP to evaluate science-based prevention programs implemented in Florida under State Incentive Grant (SIG) funding. The CDRC assisted local providers in data collection and implementation while collecting standardized data for the State of Florida. This partnership began with twenty-eight local service providers and has expanded to include evaluation of nearly ninety sites today. For many grant recipients this was their first experience with science-based programs.

The agencies receiving funding included treatment centers, school districts, community coalitions and social service organizations. The agencies implemented universal, selective and indicated programs. In addition to the science-based prevention programs, through SIG funding, we were able to evaluate five promising programs that were seeking validation as science-based programs. This presentation addresses the processes that were established to provide technical assistance to science-based prevention sites and to evaluate the implementation and outcome of programs and it identifies the lessons learned through the evaluation of these programs.

Also discussed will be the standardized reporting system CDRC developed which includes an evaluation handbook, the GPRA Core Measures program evaluation instrument, and standardized process reporting forms. We will review the expected outcomes when applying the Core Measures to science-based research. In addition, we will examine the importance of needs assessment, program fit, the importance of fidelity and how to measure it.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the process of evaluation, including use of the GPRA Core Meausures, development of a standardized instrument, data collection, and expected outcomes when applying the Core Measures to research.
• Understand program evaluation including program needs assessment and program planning, identification of population and program fit, and technical assistance, program monitoring and implementaion with fidelity.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Practice-Based Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of Miami Comprehensive Drug Research Center
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.