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Understanding the Diffusion of Non-Evidence-Based Health Interventions: The Role of Experiential Evidence
- Source :
-
Health Education Journal . Jun 2017 76(4):411-422. - Publication Year :
- 2017
-
Abstract
- Objective: The utilisation of evidence-based health interventions remains a challenge in educational settings. Although driving forward the scientific evidence-base may contribute to the diffusion of such approaches, abstract notions of population-level impact may not be seen as priorities in local. This paper considers the alternative forms of evidence that inform schools' decision-making in relation to the adoption and implementation of health programmes. Design: Pragmatic formative process evaluation of a non-evidence-based social and emotional learning intervention, the Student Assistance Program, was conducted. Case-study methodology was used. Setting: Cases comprised four socio-economically contrasting secondary schools (free school meal eligibility ranging from 11.3% to 36%). Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 programme stakeholders. Results: The results explore (a) how school staff acquired belief in the merit of the Student Assistance Program through an intervention training course; (b) how experiential evidence gained in this course is used in the effort to secure intervention adoption; and (c) how intervention implementation may be limited by the lack of opportunities to develop experiential evidence within the educational setting. Conclusion: Alternative forms of evidence, specifically experiential evidence, are of importance in the diffusion of interventions within educational settings. Evidence-based approaches need to further acknowledge and accommodate these alternative forms of understanding to enhance their uptake and implementation.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0017-8969
- Volume :
- 76
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- ERIC
- Journal :
- Health Education Journal
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- EJ1142428
- Document Type :
- Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0017896916688711