Building a framework for evaluation of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder prevention and support programs: A collaborative Canadian project

  • Deborah Rutman Principal, Nota Bene Consulting Group Canada FASD Research Network, Network Action Team on Prevention
  • Nancy Poole Canada FASD Research Network, Network Action Team on Prevention British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women's Health
  • Sharon Hume Principal, Nota Bene Consulting Group
  • Carol Hubberstey Principal, Nota Bene Consulting Group
  • Marilyn Van Bibber Principal, Nota Bene Consulting Group
Keywords: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, evaluation, FASD prevention, social determinants of health, multi-sectoral involvement

Abstract

Rutman, D., Poole, N., Hume, S., Hubberstey, C., & Van Bibber, M. (2014). Building a framework for evaluation of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder prevention and support programs: A collaborative Canadian project. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 3(1), 81-89. doi:10.7895/ijadr.v3i1.122

Aims: This article discusses a Canadian project that is designed to identify promising evaluation methods and create common evaluation frameworks for FASD prevention programs serving pregnant women and mothers, and FASD supportive intervention programs serving youth and adults living with FASD. A social determinants of health perspective guided the project.

Design: The project has employed a mixed-methods approach including a literature search, documentary review, and an iterative set of consultations with program providers, program managers, government managers and funders, researchers, and evaluators in the context of their work across Canada and internationally.

Results: The project’s processes led to the development of three visual “maps” comprised of concentric rings that depict theoretical foundations; activities and approaches; formative outcomes; and participant, community and systemic outcomes. The three visual frameworks depict evaluation of 1) FASD prevention programs; 2) FASD support programs; and 3) FASD programs in Aboriginal communities.

Conclusions: The development of visual maps to depict common evaluation frameworks promotes individual and collective action towards applying the frameworks on the part of community-based services and governments across Canada, on the service and systemic levels. Program providers, researchers, and system planners have indicated that the maps have wide-ranging applications.

Author Biographies

Deborah Rutman, Principal, Nota Bene Consulting Group Canada FASD Research Network, Network Action Team on Prevention

Principal, Nota Bene Consulting Group, Victoria, Canada


Canada FASD Research Network, Network Action Team on Prevention, Vancouver, Canada

Nancy Poole, Canada FASD Research Network, Network Action Team on Prevention British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women's Health

Canada FASD Research Network, Network Action Team on Prevention, Vancouver, Canada

British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women's Health, Vancouver, Canada

Sharon Hume, Principal, Nota Bene Consulting Group
Principal, Nota Bene Consulting Group, Victoria, Canada
Carol Hubberstey, Principal, Nota Bene Consulting Group
Principal, Nota Bene Consulting Group, Victoria, Canada
Marilyn Van Bibber, Principal, Nota Bene Consulting Group

Principal, Nota Bene Consulting Group, Victoria, Canada

Canada FASD Research Network, Network Action Team on Prevention, Vancouver, Canada

Published
2014-03-19
How to Cite
Rutman, D., Poole, N., Hume, S., Hubberstey, C., & Van Bibber, M. (2014). Building a framework for evaluation of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder prevention and support programs: A collaborative Canadian project. International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research, 3(1), 81-89. https://doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v3i1.122
Section
Papers