An overview of evidence-based program registers (EBPRs) for behavioral health. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Burkhardt, Jason T.; Schröter, Daniela C.; Magura, Stephen; Means, Stephanie N.; Coryn, Chris L.S.
• Is Part Of: Evaluation and program planning. Volume 48(2015:Feb.)
• Page Start: 92
• Page End: 99
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Evidence-based practices -- Empirically supported treatments -- Best practices -- Evidence-based program registers; Health planning -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; 362.1068
• DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2014.09.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-7189

Abstract

Highlights: The registers tended to be funded by a range of sources, including governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and international organizations. The registers tended to target their services toward program level decision makers and researchers. However, within the registers' organizational knowledge, very little is understood about those user's needs and the degree to which the registers meet those needs. The registers sometimes lacked transparency—either their criteria for inclusion were hard to find, or the vetting process was not well delineated on the website. Many of the registers cited limited resources as a challenge to providing timely reviews. Abstract: Evaluations of behavioral health interventions have identified many that are potentially effective. However, clinicians and other decision makers typically lack the time and ability to effectively search and synthesize the relevant research literature. In response to this opportunity, and to increasing policy and funding pressures for the use of evidence-based practices, a number of "what works" websites have emerged to assist decision makers in selecting interventions with the highest probability of benefit. However, these registers as a whole are not well understood. This article, which represents phase one of a concurrent mixed methods study, presents a review of the scopes, structures, dissemination strategies, uses, and challenges faced by evidence-based registers in the behavioral health disciplines. The major findings of this study show that in general, registers of evidence-based practices are able, to a degree, to identify the most effective practices meet this need to a degree. However, much needs to be done to improve the ability of the registers to fully realize their purpose.