Evaluation capacity building for integrative medicine programs

The need for evaluation capacity-building (ECB) in integrative medicine is apparent in light of the proliferation of newly developed, yet untested programs.  Patients seek evidence in order to make health care decisions. Program managers need data for decision-making about program expansion, remission, and replication. This series of talks presents resources and guidance for those interested in initiating or improving evaluation systems through the practical application of an ECB theoretical framework. The experiences of building evaluation capacity at several integrative medicine psychological health programs are detailed in order illustrate ways to help address the evaluation gaps in complementary, alternative, or integrative medicine programs. The first example is a two week, psycho-educational PTSD outpatient integrative program during which evaluation systems were improved upon. The second example is of a two-day stress and anger management class during which fidelity was improved and evaluation systems were initiated for the first time. The final example is of an intensive multi-modal PTSD program that aimed to improve its evaluation system. These success stories also include a few cautionary tales that will be useful for anyone looking to start or further develop their program’s evaluation systems. The work utilized Preskill and Boyle’s multi-disciplinary model for capacity building as a guiding framework because it offers evaluation activities that can be tailored and sustained by programs.