Access, Capacity, and Implementation Strategies of Evidence-Based Programs Developers

“Although we have taken giant strides in determining what works and promoting the use of science-based programs, we have lagged behind in building the internal capacity of designers to deliver their programs” (Elliot & Mihalic, 2004, p48). Currently we have very little cumulative, formal information about the processes; products and procedures utilized by program developers as they take responsibility for helping others implement their evidence-based practice or program. If evidence-based practices/programs are to achieve their promise, a) they must be accessible; b) there must be a capacity to assist new sites and we must understand the current capacity in relation to need and demand and c) emergent knowledge must be shared so that both the science and practices related to implementation can move forward. The factors involved in successful replication and implementation of model programs in new settings are not as well understood as the processes used to develop and evaluate the interventions themselves. Therefore, implementation efforts in the ‘real' world are often unsuccessful and highly variable both in terms of the fidelity and sustainability of the program or practice. In the past year, an exploratory, qualitative study to determine the capacity and ability of evidence-based program developers to help others (practitioners, administrators, provider agencies, and communities) implement their program. A random sample of evidence-based program developers was selected from some national registries of evidence-based programs and practices. An analysis of the results and the relationship of the results to the conceptual frameworks for implementation will be presented.