Evidence-Based Practice in Community-Based Services: Toward an Evaluation of Parenting Programs Under a Pluralistic Approach.

Abstract

Purpose: The current review sought to characterize evaluation strategies relevant to evidence-based parenting programs (EBPP) implementation in real-world settings, specifically addressing programs' implementation characteristics, outcomes and economic evaluations under a pluralistic approach.

Materials and method: We conducted a narrative review of peer-reviewed literature completing the scale for the assessment of narrative review articles (SANRA) and following the preferred format Introduction, Method, Results and Discussion (IMRD) to outweigh appraisals of non-systematic procedures. We searched Web of Science, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, Education Source Ultimate, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and Sociology Source Ultimate for keywords related to the concepts of parenting program, evaluation, implementation, pluralistic approach, and community-based services.

Results: We present the state-of-the-art of the evaluation of EBPP, detailing evaluation strategies through the lens of a pluralistic approach, showcasing what counts as evidence for implementation, outcome and economic evaluations of EBPP.

Discussion: Our groundwork posits the rationale for different evaluation designs addressing multiple questions for evidence, illustrating how program implementation and outcomes evaluation can critically contribute to an evidence-based practice. We also turn to the challenges implicit in translational studies and why research and practice are bound to be inseparable allies.

Conclusion: Exclusively addressing programs' evaluation outcomes may be insufficient. Outcome evaluations should be paired with implementation and economic evaluations to better understand how programs work, which could be more suitable for families according to their needs and characteristics, but also to inform cost-sensitive decisions, and reduce societal burden and costs.