Centering Community in Evidence-Based Prevention: Enhancing Evidence Criteria and Processes Across a State-Level...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Prevention Science
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Evidence-based program registries (EBPRs) are crucial for translating prevention science into community resources.
• Traditional EBPRs may exclude programs not meeting strict methodological standards, limiting responsiveness to community needs.
• Strengthening state prevention infrastructure requires adapting evidence review processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a multiphase initiative by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) to enhance statewide evidence review processes for youth substance use prevention programs.
• To outline HCA's evolving approach, balancing scientific rigor with community responsiveness.
• To provide practical guidance for other states aiming to improve their prevention infrastructure.

Main Methods:

• A four-phase approach was implemented, including literature review and expert consultations.
• Recommendations were developed through collaboration with research, policy, and practice experts.
• System-level actions operationalized recommendations for evidence review processes.

Main Results:

• Key recommendations focused on creating pathways for community-valued programs.
• A continuum-based approach was proposed to acknowledge varying levels of evidence.
• Structured engagement processes for community and practitioner input were embedded.

Conclusions:

• The initiative strengthened Washington's prevention infrastructure by improving evidence review processes.
• The approach enhances responsiveness to community needs while maintaining scientific rigor.
• Iterative and collaborative methods offer a model for other states seeking to optimize prevention program selection.