Advancing evidence-based practice through web-based technology

The Center of Excellence for Training and Research Translation at UNC-CH has two primary functions aimed at promoting evidence-based public health practice. Functions are related to training; and identification, translation, and dissemination of evidence-based information and interventions for public health practitioners with a focus on nutrition and physical activity in the prevention and control of chronic disease, specifically heart disease, stroke and obesity.

Web-based technology is a promising forum to promote evidence-based practice to practitioners working in WISEWOMAN and Obesity Prevention programs. This unique approach to guiding practice includes passive dissemination of evidence-based information through www.center-trt.org and active dissemination of consistent information through on-demand online training modules.

Passive dissemination includes evidence summaries on behavioral, environmental, and policy-level factors contributing to chronic disease; evidence-based strategies for addressing the contributing factors; and practice-relevant information that includes the best available evidence for the intervention strategies and links to implementation tools. Finally, research-tested and practice-based interventions are reviewed and disseminated via the website.

Active dissemination includes a series of online training modules that provide practitioners with training on the basic science and current recommendations. The Nutrition, Physical Activity and Chronic Disease series actively engages practitioners in learning about the evidence-base for contributing factors and intervention strategies that promote healthy eating and physical activity. Web-based training has the potential to reach a broader audience at lower cost and can be easily updated as evidence changes.

Funding for the Center TRT is provided by a cooperative agreement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.