Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #111540

Dean Montgomery, MA, MSPH, Health Systems Agency of Northern Virginia, 7245 Arlington Boulevard, Suite 300, Falls Church, VA, VA 22042, 703-573-3100, hsanv@aol.com

Evidence Based Planning: Theory vs Practice

There is general agreement among planners and health service developers that evidence-based policies and practices should be followed where and when possible. The advantages of clearly stated principles and policies, grounded in proven results and measurable outcomes, are numerous and manifest.

Problems arise in trying to translate theory into practice, however. Difficulties encountered include: the ambiguity of what constitutes evidence; a paucity of service-specific standards; and limited reliable data and information to document and measure results.

This presentation explores the opportunities and challenges in establishing and applying evidence-based principles and standards. Topics and questions to be explored include: what constitutes “evidence” in evidence-based planning; data and information requirements; and essential elements and structure required for successful evidence-based planning and service delivery.

Attendees should gain a better understanding of the potential value of broader application of evidence-based principles and planning, the inherent difficulties of establishing and maintaining evidence-based practices, the information and other resources needed to permit evidence-based planning and service development, and the problematic role of social science research in identifying and measuring evidence and outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• Those attending the session should gain a better understanding of the value and utility of evidednce-based planning, of the intrinsic problems that are encountered in using evidence-basaed methods and strategies, of the resources that usually are needed to facilitate evidence-based planning, and of the role and and limitations of social science research methods in documenting and assessing evidence-based planning initiatives.

Keywords: Planning, Policy/Policy Development

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation