Program Development and Evaluation in Prevention

Book excerpt: "Program Development and Evaluation in Prevention" by Robert K. Conyne, Ph. D. University of Cincinnati. This book in the Prevention Practice Kit illustrates how carefully constructed programs are involved with reaching prevention goals. Using examples and drawing from a clearly presented framework, this book helps readers easily translate concepts and principles of program development and evaluation (PDE) into doable, practical steps. Five tenets guide this book: prevention occurs through programs applied early; a program is comprised of interrelated elements existing within an open system; PDE involves cyclical phases of planning, implementation and effects, while being infused by the processes of community, collaboration, and cultural relevance; conducting prevention PDE relies on both technical and people skills; effective programs depend on sound processes that are guided by an overall 10-step PDE in Prevention Model: Plan the Program. It features: Lay the groundwork for community, collaboration and cultural relevance; Analyze local context and conduct professional literature review; create problem statement; develop preventive goals, objectives, strategies, evaluation; obtain inputs and resources; implement, including Process Evaluation; implement program plan with participants through strategies, comprised of sequenced and coordinated activities, tasks, responsibilities, resources, and timelines; examine process evaluation data to generate feedback; Effects: Evaluate Output; examine outcome evaluation data to determine outcomes; identify impacts, incidence reduction; and disseminate results.