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Program Adaptation

Program Adaptation

When choosing an evidence-based program (EBP), it is important to consider how a program will fit with the cultural values of your target population, as well as how it will fit with the setting and resources available for implementation. If a program does not make cultural sense to your target audience, then it is unlikely to be effective. For this reason, a program developed and empirically supported in one community simply may not work in another. Additionally, a program needs to be feasible and practical in your specific setting to be implemented effectively.

However, it is possible that no one EBP is a perfect match for your situation. When this happens, it is often necessary to modify an existing program to better fit your needs.

  • Adaptation refers to any change a prevention program undergoes to meet specific needs. Adaptation can include two types of changes to programs:
  • Content: Making changes or additions to program manuals, tasks, and tools so that the content is more relevant to the target population. In order to be effective, these changes should reflect the use of both culturally-relevant names, terms, and examples (surface structure) and culturally-relevant concepts, themes, and issues (deep structure).
  • Delivery: Making changes to the way programs are carried out (e.g., methods, online, or in the classroom)

 Most programs are characterized by a set of "key ingredients" which are thought to be the main catalysts of program effectiveness. The rest of the program surrounds and supports these key ingredients. When making modifications to a program it is important to identify and keep the "key ingredients" in order to maintain program effectiveness. However, often other facets of the program can be changed without significantly diminishing program effectiveness. When changes are made to a program it is critical that they are recorded and monitored so that you can later understand if they had some major effect on the intended outcomes. Well-designed adaptations can actually increase the effectiveness of your program.

 

References

Castro, F., Barrera, M., and Martinez, C. (2004). The cultural adaptation of prevention interventions: resolving tension between fidelity and fit. Prevention Science, 5(1), 41-45.
 
Resnicow, K., Baranowski, T., Ahluwalia, J.S., and Braithwaite, R.L. (1999). Cultural sensitivity in public health: defined and demystified. Ethnicity and Disease, 9 (1), 10-21.
 
SAMHSA. (2015, September 25). Cultural Competence. Retrieved from http://www.samhsa.gov/capt/applying-strategic-prevention/cultural-competence

September 2020

Sep 10 Thu
Maui Opioid Series Part 1: The History of the Opioid Epidemic

This virtual training, "The History of the Opioid Epidemic," is part one of a four-part opioid series. This training will inform participants on the opioid timeline in the US and discuss events that led to the "perfect storm" that created the opioid epidemic. The training will present the burden of opioid use in the wider US, and will also present local data on opioid use in Hawai‘i.
Location

Zoom
Sep 16 Wed
Maui Opioid Series Part 2: Opioid Overdose Prevention & Response

This FREE virtual training, "Taking Action on Opioids," is part two of a four-part opioid training series.
This training will focus on ways communities can take action to address the opioid crisis. The training will discuss ways communities can collaborate across sectors to prevent and reduce the harmful consequences of opioid misuse in the community. The training will also discuss effective strategies to address the problem, and local networks and resources already available.
Location

Zoom
Sep 17 Thu
Maui Opioid Series Part 3: Taking Action on Opioids

This FREE virtual training, "Taking Action on Opioids," is part two of a four-part opioid training series.
This training will focus on ways communities can take action to address the opioid crisis. The training will discuss ways communities can collaborate across sectors to prevent and reduce the harmful consequences of opioid misuse in the community. The training will also discuss effective strategies to address the problem, and local networks and resources already available.
Location

Zoom
Sep 24 Thu
Maui Opioid Series Part 4: Non-Opioid Alternatives to Pain Management

This FREE virtual training, "Non-Opioid Alternatives to Pain Management" is part four of a four-part opioid training series.
This training will explore the various evidence-based non-opioid alternatives to pain management recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most of the training will focus on non-pharmacological options for that have evidence to support their effectiveness at helping individuals manage pain. Participants will learn about the risks associated with the use of opioids for pain and identify alternative treatments supported by the CDC.
Location

Zoom
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