Tools for implementing an evidence-based approach in public health practice

Prev Chronic Dis. 2012:9:E116. doi: 10.5888/pcd9.110324. Epub 2012 Jun 21.

Abstract

Increasing disease rates, limited funding, and the ever-growing scientific basis for intervention demand the use of proven strategies to improve population health. Public health practitioners must be ready to implement an evidence-based approach in their work to meet health goals and sustain necessary resources. We researched easily accessible and time-efficient tools for implementing an evidence-based public health (EBPH) approach to improve population health. Several tools have been developed to meet EBPH needs, including free online resources in the following topic areas: training and planning tools, US health surveillance, policy tracking and surveillance, systematic reviews and evidence-based guidelines, economic evaluation, and gray literature. Key elements of EBPH are engaging the community in assessment and decision making; using data and information systems systematically; making decisions on the basis of the best available peer-reviewed evidence (both quantitative and qualitative); applying program-planning frameworks (often based in health-behavior theory); conducting sound evaluation; and disseminating what is learned.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.
  • Clinical Competence
  • Community-Based Participatory Research
  • Evidence-Based Medicine* / education
  • Evidence-Based Medicine* / methods
  • Guidelines as Topic
  • Health Plan Implementation*
  • Health Surveys / methods
  • Humans
  • Information Dissemination
  • Interinstitutional Relations
  • Organizational Innovation
  • Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / methods*
  • Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / standards
  • Population Surveillance / methods*
  • Program Evaluation
  • Public Health Practice / standards*
  • Total Quality Management*
  • United States