Oct 5, 2009
Fidelity and Adaptation
In our quest to apply prevention that works, we continue to learn from research, and be as wise as we can from experience. In the world of substance abuse prevention, there is a higher standard of identifying, selecting, implementing and reporting on effective programs, policies and practices.
It has been a challenge to bridge research and practice, in a way that genuinely honors both. The National Registry of Effective Programs/Practices (NREPPP) and other resources can help us, but a chronic challenge is, how does one adapt a prevention program/practice to local community needs and features, while keeping a fidelity to what it is that made the effective intervention effective?
That, it seems to me, is the current challenge. Modest modifications of an officially registered effective program makes sense, but at what point does it become a different intervention?
A good analogy recently explained to me was, baking Grandma’s bread. Her bread was the best, hands down. But as I “adapt” the recipe, perhaps I bake it at a higher temperature because I have less time, or I nuke it, or in other ways I use the ingredients but take liberty with the recipe. There’s a good chance my outcome will be, well, not Grandma’s classic bread.
On the other hand, knowing my family’s tastes and inclinations, I might add dill, maybe cheese, and have an even better final product!
How do you approach adapting effective programs/practices?
-JJ
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