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Do you think programs should only be adopted after research establishes evidence-based practices? Or do you think new practices should be explored often as well?

Answer 1

Short answer: both. Programs should be based on the best available evidence whenever possible, but responsible, well‑designed exploration of new practices is necessary for innovation and to fill gaps where evidence is weak or non‑existent.

Why a hybrid approach makes sense
- Evidence-based practices reduce risk and increase the chance of positive outcomes — especially in high‑stakes areas (healthcare, criminal justice, child protection). When solid research exists, it should guide adoption.
- At the same time, research is always incomplete. Novel problems, new technologies, changing populations, and contexts that differ from study settings mean innovation and local adaptation are essential to progress.
- Unchecked experimentation is risky, but never experimenting preserves the status quo and can perpetuate ineffective or inequitable practices.

How to explore new practices responsibly
1. Be explicit about rationale: state the theory of change and what problem the new practice aims to solve.
2. Start small: use pilots, prototypes, or phased rollouts to limit exposure while learning.
3. Build evaluation in from the start: define clear outcome metrics, comparison groups if feasible, and a timeline for review.
4. Use rapid cycles: apply Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) or other iterative methods to tweak and learn quickly.
5. Monitor harms and equity: include safety checks, disaggregate results by key groups, and set stop/go criteria for scaling.
6. Document and share findings: even negative results are valuable; publish or report so others can learn.
7. Combine existing evidence with local data: adapt evidence-based interventions thoughtfully when context differs.

When to require stronger evidence
- High-risk settings (clinical interventions, child welfare, public safety) should demand more rigorous evidence before wide adoption.
- When scaling up large investments, require stronger evaluation and cost‑effectiveness data.

Conclusion
Adopt evidence-based programs whenever strong, relevant research exists. But also create structured, transparent pathways for testing new ideas so that practice can evolve. That balanced approach maximizes safety and effectiveness while enabling necessary innovation.