•  

Home > Learning Center > Implementation Course > Course Overview


Implementation: Making an Evidence-Based Program Work for You


Course
Overview		 Five
Stages		 Exploration Installation Initial
Implementation		 Full
Implementation		 Program
Sustainability		 References Resources &
Tools

About This Course


This course provides guidance to facilitate selection and implementation of one of the many evidence-based programs related to prevention and treatment that are publicly available today. You will learn how to (1) select the program that best matches your organization’s needs and (2) carry out the steps necessary to implement the program you choose.

Individuals who may benefit from this course include members of an organization working collaboratively to identify and implement an evidence-based program. Whether you’re looking for a program that addresses bullying, underage drinking, drug abuse, or treatment of a specific mental health disorder, the information here can help you in the selection and implementation of a suitable program. Those who may find the course useful are:

  • Administrators, program directors, or clinicians charged with identifying, selecting, and implementing a program to meet the needs of their target population, funders, community, etc.
  • Individuals interested in learning more about best practices and strategies for successful program selection and implementation

The course provides overall guidance for appropriately selecting and implementing the program of your choice. The focus is not on individuals choosing a program, but rather on an organization working collaboratively to select and implement a program to fit its needs. Experience has shown that organizational commitment, readiness, and flexibility are all critical to successful selection and implementation of an evidence-based program or practice.

This introductory course includes several components. A section on terminology will introduce you to some of the language you may encounter during your program selection and implementation tasks. A glossary is also available if you need it. Each page is supplemented with links to other resources that may prove helpful to your learning experience. The information presented here has been distilled from professional publications, and full references appear at the end.

This course will help you learn:

  • Basic terms related to program selection and implementation
  • How to identify your organization’s needs
  • Where to find available programs
  • How to select the best program for your organization’s needs, with a focus on implementation
  • The five basic stages of program implementation

Download a printer-friendly version of this course (PDF, 413KB).

Implementation refers to putting the program—and the supporting scientific principles—to work in a real setting, such as a school or community, to bring benefits to the target population you want to serve.