Nonprofits and government agencies are facing more requests from funders and community leaders to demonstrate performance and report evidence of effectiveness. Meanwhile, funding is becoming harder to receive.
What are Evidence-Based Practices?
Strong nonprofits provide an opportunity to level the playing field in communities where they exist. Unfortunately, program evaluations reveal that most social programs do not produce the desired effects for those who participate. This can be due to different reasons, but one of the main causes is a lack of direction in program development. There is a need for having access to materials that provide foresight on what programming actually works.
Using evidence-based practices (EBPs) is one of the main ways nonprofits and civic entities can improve upon researched practices to address their communities’ needs.
EBPs help organizations focus on service delivery instead of program development by providing previously researched and implemented community interventions.
Evidence-based practice (EBP) has been described as the “…conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual [clients]” (Sackett et al., 1996, p.71). As stipulated by these same authors, this definition requires a process that is comprised of several steps for finding and employing appropriate interventions for every client, and also requires that the client’s preferences and actions, as well as their clinical state and circumstances, must be a part of the decision-making process. Specifically, the steps involve:
1. Formulating a client, community, or policy-related question;
2. Systematically searching the literature;
3. Appraising findings for quality and applicability;
4. Applying these findings and considerations in practice;
5. Evaluating the results.
Benefits of EBPs
Simply put, EBPs provide consistency through evidence that creates a standard in application for clients and staff. It also organizes those staff members involved to fulfill their roles in pursuit of a communicated outcome. Client outcomes also improve with the implementation of evidence based practices.
The movement to shift public and philanthropic funding to support “what works” has made real gains in the last few years. Government and philanthropy are seeking to identify high-impact programs that have been tested in rigorous trials and found to deliver superior results for society. However, it is not enough to identify what works—we also have to identify how it works so that other organizations can replicate the implementation of the program and get similar results.
Also known as evidence based programs/interventions, these practices have been proven effective, but are not one-size-fits-all due to a lack of cultural relevance.
How To Use an EBP
Different organizations who use EBPs may have similar missions or goals, but they do not possess the same base of clients, community, culture, local assets, and more. An evidence-based practice must be created and/or adapted with those you serve in your community in mind. To adapt EBPs for your specific community, it requires a certain amount of organizational capacity.
It typically helps to have someone involved who is familiar with research and various forms of evaluation, including asset-mapping, needs assessments, and program theory. Internal evaluation and change management practices must be established. An organization that hopes to find and successfully use an EBP must be able to do research to find adaptable programs, assess needs, and evaluate outcomes to begin involving evidence-based practices.
Remember…
When your programs can create consistent outcomes with tangible results and real testimonials, you can easily generate funding. A successful program is a nonprofit’s most useful and sustainable marketing tool!
For assistance with program evaluation and getting evidence based practices for your organization, contact us at Social Solutions Consulting, where we help build capacity for community organizations through evaluation, technical assistance, and training to strengthen programs and outreach.
Social Solutions Consulting 