Visitors’ Assessment and Utilization of Evidence-Based Program Resources (EBPR) Websites

Abstract

Background: Evidence-based program resources (EBPR) websites for behavioral health are a potentially useful tool to assist decision-makers and practitioners in deciding which behavioral health interventions to implement. EBPR websites apply rigorous research standards to assess the effectiveness of behavioral healthcare programs, models, and clinical practices. Method: Visitors to a convenience sample of six EBPR websites (N=369, excluding students) were recruited for telephone interviews primarily by means of a pop-up invitation on the sites. Results: The visitors view the EBPR sites as important sources of information to support the identification and adoption of evidence-based programs/practices (EBPs) in behavioral healthcare, which aligns with the primary mission of EBPRs. For repeat visitors, there was some indication that the information obtained helped effect certain changes in their agencies’ programs and policies. However, increased or improved guidance on EBP implementation was also requested. Conclusion: EBPR websites should be better publicized to the behavioral healthcare field.

Keywords:

• Evidence-based programs
• evidence-based program registers
• program effectiveness
• best practices
• program evaluation
• behavioral health

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions of the interview teams, particularly Rebecca Sevin, who acted as a coordinator for the interviewing. Robert Boruch and Paul Roman reviewed a prior draft of this manuscript. Mary Terzian was a collaborator at an early stage of the study. Mary E. Ramlow provided valuable administrative support.

Disclosure statement

The author(s) declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Additional information

Funding

Supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse grant no. R01 DA042036