Check out this article by Dr. Kate Lorig, developer of the Chronic Disease Self Management suite of programs, about the definition of “evidence-based programs”: “The hallmark of evidence-based behavioral interventions is that there is evidence. This means that they have been shown to be effective in one or more trials. In some cases, the research literature supporting an intervention’s efficacy stretches to 100 or more studies. Nevertheless, every funder and every agency seems intent on measuring outcomes for the specific programs they are supporting. Somehow, it is expected that the results will be different for “my population” or “my city or state.” We would never make these demands for a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration. One might say, “So why not measure outcomes? What can it hurt?” Unfortunately, this is not necessarily true. Several harms may result.”
