Strengthening prevention performance using technology: a formative evaluation of interactive Getting To Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Psychology
• Program Implementation Science

Background:

• Community-level capacity building is crucial for effective evidence-based prevention programs.
• Policymakers seek scalable solutions to support numerous organizations and communities in prevention efforts across the United States.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a formative evaluation of an internet-based system, interactive Getting To Outcomes (iGTO), designed for large-scale capacity building in prevention.
• To assess the impact of iGTO on the performance of community prevention programs.

Main Methods:

• A formative evaluation was conducted in two states' prevention systems.
• Coalitions were randomly assigned to receive the iGTO system or serve as controls (Tennessee study).
• Coalitions receiving iGTO were compared to similar non-iGTO coalitions (Missouri study).
• Program performance was assessed via interviews at baseline and after one year of iGTO implementation.

Main Results:

• iGTO-supported programs demonstrated improved performance of prevention practices compared to non-iGTO programs.
• Most iGTO-assigned coalitions adopted the system, primarily in a basic manner.
• User and stakeholder perceptions of the iGTO system were varied.

Conclusions:

• The interactive Getting To Outcomes (iGTO) system shows potential for enhancing community prevention program performance.
• Widespread and comprehensive integration of iGTO necessitates greater state leadership involvement and enhanced local-level support.
• Further research should explore strategies for deeper iGTO integration and sustained use.