eB4CAST is a community-based research study that focuses on assessing the impact of evidence-based programming on the implementation and dissemination of interventions.

Introduction

eB4CAST is an evaluation tool used to help justify program needs, determine both positive and negative outcomes within the program, and predict the continuation of the program in needed communities. Using a community based research approach, eB4CAST captures the overall impact and effect of evidence based programming in implementation and dissemination.

eB4CAST is an evaluation of the concepts of capture, assemble, sustain and timelessness of a research project used as an evidence-based dissemination tool. Without eB4CAST , evidence-based community research fails to reach its full potential and maximize beneficial outcomes for communities.

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Aims

The overarching aim is to provide researchers and administrators with the necessary data to create a footprint that will measure the impact, reach and longevity of the research project.

Design

eB4CAST uses a dual approach to collecting data to provide a comprehensive assessment of particular intervention

1. Collection of indirect publicly available data – used to forecast the need and feasibility of potential interventions
2. Collection of direct participant and facilitator data – used to measure community impact and program longevity

This step-wise process creates an end report which Captures, Assembles and Sustains the community based research to ensure its Timelessness.

eB – Evidence Based: we use current, relevant evidence for program evaluation.

4 – for

C – Capture: we examine the impact a research project has on individuals, program leaders and communities in real-world environments. By looking at the entire social setting, researchers are able to predict how the program will operate allowing for forecasting in other potential locations while decreasing barriers.

A – Assemble: we examine data regarding the function and effectiveness of the programming, including fidelity measurements. Identifying unexpected setbacks including program training, community opposition and financial costs, help in tailoring marketing and promotion efforts. Understanding the difficulties that the program faces in terms of implementation allow researchers to make adjustments for increased program strength.

S – Sustainability – we account for facility and environmental factors that affect the ability of leaders and participants to adhere to the program curriculum. The desired and actual outcomes are compared along with documentation of behavior changes giving researchers confirmation of the program’s effectiveness.

T – Timelessness – we gather direct feedback about participant’s feelings regarding program longevity and impact. These testimonies help researchers understand the future forecast of a community’s capability and desire to continue supporting the research project based on ease of dissemination, implementation and the understanding of resources and limitations.

Outcome, Impact, & Future Work

eB4CAST generates reports for selected interventions using a Capture, Assemble, and Sustain model to seek timelessness. eB4CAST provides a comprehensive assessment of a particular intervention from data collected prior to and during the intervention. This assessment is presented as an infographic that captures participant, facilitator, and state leader perceptions while creating a visual story of the effects of community programs.

The timelessness of eB4CAST can help researchers predict the continuous duration of community based programs and manage this information in electronic format. The eB4CAST framework provides a systematic method to capture the future blueprint and "realness of impact" of the program in new untapped communities, offering the possibility of positive health outcomes and shifts in the general public's health.

Acknowledgments

Adrienne White PhD, RDN -  University of Maine

Sarah Colby PhD, RDN -  University of Tennessee

Lisa Franzen-Castle PhD, RDN -  University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Kendra Kattelmann PhD, RDN -  South Dakota State University

Melissa Olfert, DrPH, RDN - West Virginia University

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Publications & Presentations

* denotes Research Assistant Trainees in the Olfert Research Lab