Evidence Based Health Promotion (Aging Well Learning Network)

Evidence Based Health Promotion

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t
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Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services have an increasing focus on the implementation of Evidence Based Health Promotion. Evide
nce Based program are researched for content and studied for their effectiveness.
That is what we know works verses those that we think work.

EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAM LINKS

Living Healthy:
with a Chronic Condition & Diabetes

Healthy IDEAS: Addressing Depression in Older Adults

Matter Of Balance: A Fear of Falling Program

Walk with Ease: Walking Program for People with Arthritis

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program

NCOA Center for Health and Aging

Administration on Aging Evidence Based Disease and Disability Programs

Purpose:

This document provides a brief overview of evidence-based [health promotion] programs (EBPs), particularly as they relate to AoA’s initiative to increase the number of EBPs offered through the aging services network.

Reminder:

Evidence-based programs are HOT! However, not everyone uses the same definition of EBPs. It’s important for us to keep in mind that we are following AoA’s guidelines for EBPs, which may actually be more “strict” than others’ guidelines.

Basic Guidance:

The easiest way to think of an EBP is that it is a “thing” – a packaged program that is ready-to-go. EBPs have outcomes, but remember, just because a program – any program – has outcomes, that doesn’t mean it’s evidence-based.

An EBP has…	Some Examples (a VERY short list)
A specific target population	Ex. 1: Seniors with chronic health conditions Ex. 2: People who have a fear of falling
Specific, measurable goal(s)	Ex. 1: To increase knowledge about chronic conditions Ex. 2: To improve communication with healthcare providers
A stated reasoning behind it (i.e. a reason why it is designed as it is.)	Ex. 1: A program based on the Social Cognitive Theory Ex. 2: People with osteoarthritis have decreased aerobic functioning and decreased muscle strength
Proven benefits	Ex. 1: Increase weekly minutes of exercise Ex. 2: Improves self-reported health
A well-defined program structure and timeframe so others understand how the program works and so it can be easily adopted/disseminated	Ex. 1: Program has 6 weekly sessions which last 2.5 hours each Ex. 2: Program is led by 2 trained leaders
Specifications re: staffing needs/skills	Ex. 1: Leaders must attend a 20-hour training Ex. 2: Leaders must be certified fitness instructors
Specifications re: facility & equipment needs	Ex. 1: Must have a private room with sufficient space for chairs to be set in a circle or semi-circle Ex. 2: Must have hand weights or exercise bands
Program evaluations to measure program quality & health outcomes	Ex. 1: Program quality is measured by observation of leaders & participant satisfaction surveys Ex. 2: Health outcomes are measured using baseline and follow-up questionnaires

Subpages (1): Living Healthy: Chronic Disease Self Management Program

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