We help service systems and organizations evaluate the effectiveness of service models and interventions in an effort to help them plan and execute service and program enhancements and policy changes. The Center for Evidence-Based Practices provides consultation for evaluation in two primary areas—fidelity and outcomes—which are briefly described on this page.
In addition, we collaborate with and provide forums for researchers who are dedicated to knowledge translation and dissemination. Our technical-assistance services are informed by the research at the core of evidence-based practices, best practices, and other service innovations.
Fidelity And Program Evaluation
A fidelity review by our center provides a formal mechanism for external evaluation of service implementation. A fidelity review is not an audit or accreditation process. It is a quality-improvement process. Annual reviews have been found to be most helpful. After a review is complete, program leaders are encouraged to develop a fidelity action-plan that prioritizes next steps for implementation and consultation. The annual fidelity review and fidelity action-plan create a continuous cycle of planning, implementation, evaluation, and service enhancement.
Outcomes
Our evaluation team also supports organizations and systems of care with monitoring the collection and analysis of outcomes data and sharing that data with all stakeholders, including consumers, family members, direct-service providers, and partners in other systems of care. Outcomes data help service-team members and consumers develop treatment plans and track the progress of recovery over time. The data also help administrators and stakeholders answer questions about the impact of service models upon the organization, multiple systems of care, and the quality of life of consumers and their social support networks. In addition, outcomes provide evidence for the need to sustain and/or expand services.