Practical guide for the evaluation of local addiction prevention plans
Year:
2021
Commissioned by:
Main Objective:
To provide tools and knowledge to demonstrate that preventive actions implemented at the local level have measurable and effective preventive outcomes.
Summary:
The Practical Guide for the Evaluation of Local Plans for the Prevention of Drug Dependence is designed to address the need for improved evaluation processes in local prevention plans. The Service for Attention to Dependency and Social Vulnerability within the Department of Equality and Social Sustainability of the Diputació de Barcelona has identified significant challenges faced by local authorities in this area. Many professionals perceive evaluation as a complex and specialised process, often leading to limited engagement. This guide seeks to transform this perception, presenting evaluation as an accessible and valuable process that ensures the implementation of high-quality preventive actions.
While the quantity of preventive interventions is noteworthy, the quality of these programmes often remains unclear due to the lack of robust evaluation. The key question—Does the prevention we implement truly prevent?—frequently goes unanswered. For most interventions, the impact on reducing risk factors or enhancing protective factors in the target population remains unknown. This uncertainty arises from the traditional approach to social intervention, which prioritises the volume of actions but neglects to evaluate their effectiveness in achieving the intended outcomes.
Failing to evaluate prevention efforts leaves local authorities vulnerable in two ways:
- Public funds may be spent on actions that do not achieve their intended preventive effects, thereby failing to justify the expenditure.
- Without understanding the effects of these actions, there is a risk of iatrogenic outcomes—producing results contrary to the intended preventive goals.
The guide provides a solution, offering a practical and accessible tool for quality accreditation and enabling evidence-based validation of preventive activities.
