Molly M. Jackson¹, Edgar M. Garcia¹, Forrest G Hartl¹, and Miguel Chion, MD, MPH². (1) Educational Theatre Programs, Kaiser Permanente, 815 Colorado Blvd. #103, Los Angeles, CA 90041, 323-252-2865, molly.x.jackson@kp.org, (2) Research and Evaluation Core, AIDS Project Los Angeles, 3550 Wilshire, #300, Los Angeles, CA 90010

Background: Kaiser Permanente's Educational Theater Programs (ETP) delivers health-based information to diverse and at-risk populations. Using live theater and the performing arts as a delivery platform enables ETP to address crucial health epidemics and implications to a captive audience. Health professionals, community leaders, teachers, children, and parents have aided in the creation of ETP's innovative model, which has demonstrated positive outcomes such as increased awareness around specific health issues, improved knowledge, and behavioral intentions to make healthy choices. ETP addresses the following issues: HIV/AIDS prevention, sexually transmitted diseases, suicide, sexual and social development, violence prevention, nutrition, obesity, asthma, and diabetes.

Methods: Our model for educational theater requires data and expertise from performing arts professionals, health professionals, and community leaders. Needs assessment information from the community (surveys and focus groups) are used to develop health education programs and culturally appropriate interventions. Our performances and workshops provide knowledge, information, and motivation needed to change behavior, as well as an extremely realistic experience around the consequences of unhealthy choices. ETP's evaluation plan has included extensive qualitative data (focus groups and surveys) as well as quantitative data (surveys). This evaluation plan has ascertained program impact and tested comprehension and retention levels.

Results: The intervention model and implementation specifics will be presented and discussed with the audience. Preliminary results from ETP programs demonstrate positive outcomes such as increased knowledge, intentions around positive behavior change, and greater parental involvement. Final outcome evaluation data will be presented.

Conclusions: Findings and lessons learned will be presented.

Learning Objectives: Our presentation will demonstrate the scope, purpose, and goal of using live theater to deliver health education. Participants will be able to

• Identify the criteria and community issues that justify the need for educational theater.
• Develop the components necessary to create health education programs using the performing arts.
• Understand the necessity of qualitative and quantifiable data around programs.
• Research and develop programs from a local, regional, and national perspective.

Keywords: Education, Community

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Kaiser Permanente/employee