| Session Title: Beyond Fidelity II: Assessing the Context of Implementation |
| Think Tank Session 783 to be held in Palisades on Friday, Nov 4, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Sponsored by the Human Services Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Miles McNall, Michigan State University, mcnall@msu.edu |
| Discussant(s): |
| Madeleine Kimmich, Human Services Research Institute, mkimmich@hsri.org |
| Abstract: The think tank will focus on re-conceptualizing the current approach to evaluating implementation of "evidence-based practices" (EBPs). In most cases, implementation evaluations focus on the extent to which EBPs are implemented with fidelity to their original models. However, because EBPs are implemented in a wide variety of organizational, political and cultural contexts, evaluations of EBPs that maintain an exclusive focus on fidelity miss important contextual factors that may impact both the fidelity and effectiveness of interventions. As such, broader frameworks are needed that capture factors that influence the success or failure of implementation. Preliminary work from a similar AEA 2010 think tank will be the starting point for the session. Participants will work in teams to refine the 2010 maps of contextual domains and identify ways to assess the impact of these domains on implementation. Particular attention will be given to real-world constraints on conducting these expansive studies of effectiveness. |