25 Sep Difference between Evidence-based Public Health and Evidence-based Medicine

Discussion—Difference between Evidence-based Public Health and Evidence-based Medicine

The concept of evidence-based practice is well established in numerous disciplines including psychology, social work, nursing, medicine, and public health. The concept, however, is probably more established in medicine compared to any other disciplines. There are important distinctions between evidence-based approaches in medicine and public health. In reviewing the course up to this point, identify some key differences between evidence-based medicine and evidence-based public health.

Utilize assigned and suggested weekly readings, the South University online library, the Internet readings, and references to search, evaluate, and retrieve relevant EBPH literature to support your responses.

Respond to the following:

How is EBPH different from evidence-based medicine?

Provide reasons or evidence in support of your responses.

Write your initial response in approximately 300 words.

By the due date assigned, post your response to the appropriate Discussion Area. Through the end of the week, review and comment on at least two peers’ responses. Consider commenting on their difficulties and your thoughts for suggestions or resolutions.

Support your answers with examples and research. Your responses should clarify your understanding of the topic. They should be your own, original, and free from plagiarism. Follow the APA format for writing style, spelling and grammar, and citation of sources.

Evaluation Criteria:

Differentiated between EBPH and evidence-based medicine.

Responses demonstrated in-depth research and analysis.

Justified your answers with appropriate research and reasoning.

Week 5 Notes

Developing and Prioritizing Program Options

Evaluation can be defined as the process of analyzing programs and policies and the context within which they occur to determine if changes need to be made in implementation and to assess the intended and unintended consequences of programs and policies; this includes, but is not limited to, determining if they are meeting their goals and objectives.

Evaluation can also be defined as a process that attempts to determine as systematically and objectively as possible the relevance, effectiveness, and impact of activities in light of their objectives.

Evaluation methodologies include quantitative studies, qualitative studies, or a combination of methods. Important considerations include the selection of the appropriate method of evaluation, input from stakeholders, and the methods for disseminating evaluation findings. Traditional forms of evaluation tend to assess whether a program has met its objectives whereas new methods focus on increasing the capacity of participants to evaluate themselves.

Evaluation provides a method for measuring success or accomplishment of targeted goals and objectives.

Evaluation often asks and answers questions such as:

• Did you achieve what you had set out to accomplish?

• How many of your goals and objectives were you able to achieve and to what extent? Evaluation provides the accountability in the application of EBPH, that is, did the investors and society get the maximum benefit from their investment? Was this program the best use of the available or limited funding?

Finally, evaluation also offers program planners an opportunity to make adjustment, correction, and improvements in current and future programs and policies.