1-156 - The Complexities of Building a Real-world Evidence Base for Improving Child and Family Outcomes

Session Type: Conversation Roundtable

Integrative Statement

Research approaches aimed at translating evidence-based interventions into real world practice settings are hindered by a lack of understanding of the intersections between effectiveness, feasibility and implementation. We offer an alternative conceptualization of applied research that is necessary for a meaningful marriage between science and practice, characterized by a desire to build as opposed to translate “real world” evidence (i.e., scientifically grounded information created, tested, analyzed, and understood in relevant practice settings). This is distinguished from evidence emanating from highly controlled conditions that undergoes processes of adaptation and transformation to “fit” the real world context. A meaningful approach to building real world evidence requires a partnership between researchers and practitioners who, by design, work together to address implementation realities and enhance understandings of efficacy and feasibility. Research-practice partnerships (RPPs) are concerned with improving programs, processes, or practices in ways that are both feasible and efficacious, and that result in improved student outcomes. Unfortunately, there remain many gaps in mechanisms to support building real-world evidence through RPPs. Comprised of a consortium of researchers concerned with establishing evidence of parent-provider interventions in early childcare centers, this conversation roundtable will address thorny issues faced when building a real-world evidence base. The issues center on challenging constructs that simultaneously influence impact: evidence/feasibility, implementation, and partnership. Each of these issues requires deeper vetting and processing among early childhood intervention scientists to uncover impactful programs for creating “real world” evidence. The need for new methodological implications and advances will also be explored.
Moderator: Susan M. Sheridan

Sub Unit

• School Readiness/Childcare

Moderator

• Susan Sheridan, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Panelists

• Lisa Knoche, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Ursula Johnson, University of Texas Health Science Center, Children's Learning Institute

• Ann Michele Stacks, Wayne State University

• Daryl Greenfield, University of Miami