Evidence-based practices improve health outcomes, maximize limited resources, and enhance workforce productivity.
This image, from CDC’s Understanding Evidence, highlights three distinct sources of evidence that influence decision making in public health. While research evidence is extremely important and should not be overlooked, it is not the only kind.
When public health programs lack evidence of effectiveness, we may use other explanations to defend our work: We’ve always done it that way or People love it. However, in order to protect the integrity of the public health profession, we should uphold science and evidence-based public health practice. Trained public health practitioners rely on the best available knowledge about what works–and what doesn’t–when making decisions about public health programs and policies. They rely on scientific research to inform their priorities and select strategies with demonstrated benefits.
Ready to learn more? Explore the resources below and join our March 6, 2017 webinar.
Selected Resources for Finding Evidence-Based Programs
- Health Impact in 5 Years
- The Community Guide
- What Works for Health
- NACCHO Model Practice Database
- Evidence-Based Practice for Public Health
- AHRQ Health Care Innovations Exchange
For a more comprehensive list, click here.