Evidence-based Policy

Outcomes of the
Trials Evidence-based policy is based on scientifically designed studies showing conclusively
that an approach is effective. The first clinical trial of the model began in 1977 in Elmira,
Evidence-based New York. The results were so successful that there was national and international
Policy pressure to immediately implement the program in other sites. But the program was not
offered for public investment until the evidentiary standards listed below were met in
Follow-up Studies of two additional clinical trials.
the Trials
The program is described in sufficient detail that others can replicate it.
NFP Logic Models
The program clearly identifies its intended outcomes and they are measured in
Prevention Research
psychometrically sound ways.
Center

Research & The program consistently has outcomes that are clinically or socially important.
Publication
The program has been tested in well-conducted clinical (randomized, controlled)
Communication
trials.
Committee
Effects found in one trial have been replicated in two additional clinical trials, so
that there is confidence that the program has positive outcomes.

The sample tested has been clearly identified and the impact of the program is
not generalized beyond the sample characteristics tested in the trials.

There is evidence that the program developers have a reliable method of ensuring
that the program offered for public investment will be conducted with fidelity to
the model tested in the trials.

The adherence to these standards and the strong, consistent outcomes across the
clinical trials led to Nurse-Family Partnership being recognized as one of the most
effective interventions ever implemented. Nurse-Family Partnership's emphasis on
controlled, randomized trials is also at the core of the approach promoted by the
Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy, a Washington, DC think tank seeking to
increase the use of scientific evidence when investing in programs and services.
Speaking about what makes programs like Nurse-Family Partnership a sound investment
for communities, Shay Bilchik, JD and former Executive Director of the Child Welfare
League of America said,

"More and more, we see community leaders, government leaders at

the federal, state and local levels saying, 'If I invest in these solutions
you talk about, I want evidence that they're really going to be successful.'
"

Ron Haskins, PhD, Senior Fellow, Economic Studies and Co-Director of the Welfare
 Reform and Beyond Initiative at the Brookings Institute said,

"It isn't just empirical evidence that's important; it's a certain type of
empirical evidence, namely evidence from random assignment
experiments because that's the gold standard of research. And we have
learned over and over again that any other kind of study is likely to
produce an incorrect answer. Not only is there good evidence from this
[Dr. Olds'] study, but it is from the very best kind of research."

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