Evidence-based programs are programs that integrate research and clinical expertise to reach a particular conclusion. Some of the factors that are analyzed include the patient’s characteristics, their preferences, and culture (Anderson, 2006). Patient values are taken into consideration in evidence-based programs. Several research designs are created to answer different evidence-based questions. Some of these include clinical observations, qualitative research and process-outcome studies.
Evidence-based programs are known to provide consistent positive results. This paper seeks to explore the process of conducting an evidence-based program on the effects of legalization of marijuana in the society. The program will be used an example to define and discuss the concept of evidence-based programs. It will describe the questions used to chose the evidence-based program, explanation of evidence considered as valid, and the pros and cons of the evidence-based program. A summary is also provided for the concept’s evaluation and how it will be used.
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Questions and Elements Used To Choose Evidence-Based Programs
Evidence-based programs are not usually the same throughout. This is why one has to ask questions and consider some elements when choosing the most appropriate evidence-based program. In this regard, some of the questions and elements that should be considered are the targeted population, the setting upon which the program will run, the desired outcomes and the length of the study. Factoring in of these elements ensures the program adopted is adapted to the study being done thus ensuring more effective results.
The program should adapt to the outcomes that it expects to accomplish. An example of an expected outcome is the reduction of a particular condition or factors that are associated with the condition. Since evidence-based programs are not “one size fits all,” effort and planning should go into preparing the programs. Individuals and organizations that formulate or implement evidence-based programs should ensure that fidelity of is ensured so that the programs can achieve the set goals.
In the case of a program on the effects of approving the use of Marijuana, the questions will be the scope of the program, the length of the program, and the desired application of the information that would be obtained from the program. Elements of time, availability of research material, availability of expertise to run the program, and the possible shortcomings in the program should also be taken into consideration when setting up the program.
Explanation of a Valid Evidence Continuum
A valid, evidence-based continuum, should take into consideration a triad of evidence-based practices. These are the use of the best scientific experience available, sufficient clinical experience, and the patient’s preference (Houser & Oman, 2010). The sources of information should be consistent and reliable for the evidence to be considered as valid. The information obtains should also be applicable so that it can be used to prove areas with shortcomings and strengthen the strong areas.
Evidence-based program with the approval of the use of marijuana can elucidate the many questions that people have on the effects of such approval. Reports on the approval of Marijuana show that filings for low-level marijuana offenses go down significantly. The violations to all laws regarding Marijuana also go low. This saves the states’ resources that would go to the enforcement of marijuana laws. Tax revenues from the marijuana business also offer the states that have legalized marijuana with financial sources.
The use of medical marijuana has also created huge improvements in the lives of patients. Some patients have reported that the use of marijuana for medical purposes has brought huge improvements in their conditions. Some of the conditions and diseases that medical marijuana can be used for include cancers, epilepsy, and commonly to relieve pain and inflammations. The evidence from the programs on the use of marijuana, therefore, shows that legalization of marijuana has several positive impacts as described above.
Pros and Cons of the Use of Evidence-Based Programs
Just as other research programs, evidence-based programs have both pros and cons. One of the merits of these types of programs is that there is a guarantee that they will work as expected to enhance services, operations and the good of people in general. Limited resources are also required, and they can be utilized effectively. This implies that the individuals and organizations can implement approaches that work based on research and not just on the traditional way of doing things or people’s beliefs.
Instead of struggling to create a program, organizations can just select from the many types of evidence-based programs and adapt them to their situation (Houser & Oman, 2010). This thus utilizes limited resources. The other advantage of evidence-based programs is that they can contain information on the financial implications. This promotes accountability besides providing cost-benefit information that helps in the selection of the most economically viable evidence-based program.
There are also several disadvantages that face evidence-based programs. These l imitations should be considered when selecting an evidence-based program. Most of the evidence-based programs have little room for modification. For instance, unnecessary components of the program would have to be implemented when carrying out the program. It is also hard to find evidence-based programs that are directly suited to the intended applications. This means that redesigning has to be done for the program to be adaptable to the situation at hand. They are also created to promote positive outcomes mostly that preventing undesirable ones.
Summary of Evidence-Based Programs and How They Can Be Utilized
Evidence-based programs integrate research that that has already been conducted and clinical expertise in patients’ context to enhance or promote effective practices. Case formulation, psychological assessments are used to formulate interventions that can be used to improve the health of the general public. Strategies contained in evidence-based programs are created out of years of trial to make sure they are as effective as possible. Adoption of the evidence-based program by individuals or organizations, therefore, gives an assurance of success. Evidence-based programs have huge potential for success if utilized well (Anderson, 2006).
Evidence-based programs take into account the patients. The programs can bring positive implications on the patient. For instance, the programs can bring relief to the patients, improve their quality of life, prevent future occurrences of the problem, and achieve other goals that are important to the patients. The programs can also be used to enhance the delivery of services. The effective utilization of evidence-based programs requires that there are good collaboration and communication among all the relevant stakeholders. The presence of a conducive environment for carrying out the program ensures that maximum benefits are obtained.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the concept of evidence-based programs can be used to enhance the delivery of services by analyzing the current effect and the possible future effects of a particular policy or decision. In the case of marijuana legalization, evidence-based programs can be utilized to understand the positive and negative effects. This provides a framework to decide whether approval of the use of marijuana is beneficial or not. Despite the many benefits of evidence-based programs, there are also cons with the programs that can reduce their effectiveness.
References
Anderson, N. B. (2006). Evidence-based practice in psychology. American Psychologist , 61(4), 271-285.
Houser, J., & Oman, K. S. (2010). Evidence-based practice: An implementation guide for healthcare organizations. Burlington, Massachusetts : Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
