On the Web: Prevention Guidance Update
By Barbara Shine
Though still in its infancy, just 1 year old as of September 15,
SAMHSA's PreventionDSS (Decision Support System) is successfully
providing users with practical, online help in creating and improving
substance abuse prevention programs.
Anyone with a computer and a link to the Internet can request
and receive expert help at no cost, whether the goal is to reduce
smoking in middle schools, help adults build parenting skills, or
stop drug-related violence among teens.
So far, prevention professionals at the state and local levels
are welcoming that help, according to usage statistics from SAMHSA's
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), which created the
site. More than 3,600 users have registered 1,701 distinct prevention
work projects in the DSS. Prototype version 3.0 is now in effect,
and the DSS Web site—www.preventiondss.org—averages
30,000 hits per day.
PreventionDSS follows CSAP's logic model to help users work through
a circuit of seven stages of planning, establishing, and evaluating
their substance abuse prevention programs. Stages of the model are:
Assessing local needs and target groups
Developing capacity and resources for prevention activities
Selecting science-based intervention programs with evidence
of effectiveness
Implementing programs by adapting and enhancing to suit
local context and cultures
Evaluating programs by collecting, coding, and analyzing
data
Writing reports about the program activities and results,
and
Getting training about scientific methods and best prevention
practices online.
The modules are interconnected, yet each one is self-contained.
Modules include decision support and a tutorial, so program planners
can launch into DSS at whatever stage is appropriate for their prevention
project. DSS users can start with "Assess Needs" before
planning a new project. Or they may approach the DSS with a project
already under way and begin working in more advanced modules or
with resources such as the library or descriptions of model programs.
A
click of the mouse on any segment of the logic model takes the user
to interactive tools and work areas supported by resource links
for tutorials, technical assistance, downloadable documents, and
presentations. Registered DSS users can save all their work, track
their progress through the module, report results, and logon and
logoff as needed. DSS user identities and information remain private;
not even CSAP has access to individual project records.
Visitors can also use the site without registering, if they prefer.
CSAP does not track a visitor's e-mail address.
" 'Simply DSS' is a continuing theme for this effort,"
said DSS project officer Jon Rolf, Ph.D., a senior public health
advisor with CSAP's Division of Prevention Application and Education.
"We strive to make prevention work easier. Some prevention
providers will want to use consultants for the tools that are more
technically advanced, but over the next few years, we'll develop
components at different levels, for novices versus experienced practitioners."
The system will be updated at 6-month intervals (approximately)
for at least the next 4 years.
The DSS also extends the reach and productivity of CSAP's six
regional training and technical assistance centers known as "CAPTs,"
Centers for the Application of Prevention Technology. CAPTs work
with states to help local organizations adapt scientifically sound
prevention practices to local needs and conditions. They support
communities in selecting interventions that best suit the characteristics
of their target populations.
"Prevention professionals are hungry for information, knowledge,
and skills," said Robert W. McArdle, C.P.S., prevention applications
management coordinator for CSAP's Western CAPT, serving states from
Wyoming westward and the Pacific jurisdictions. "Historically,
there has not been enough information and support available for
preventionists, so the DSS fills an important gap. Many people in
the prevention arena are excited to see the DSS evolve even further
toward meeting the great promise it offers our field."
Jack Wilson of the Snohomish County Human Services Department
in Washington State is a substance abuse prevention specialist who
has used the Web site and sees the PreventionDSS as an important
part of his agency's future.
"People in community prevention are . . . often unsure whether
their efforts are really making a difference," Mr. Wilson said.
"The DSS can help them answer the question, 'Have I accomplished
anything with my project?' "
"I like to think we're giving parents and others in the community
power tools rather than just hammers and saws to construct their
projects," Mr. Wilson added. "With the DSS, I can be sure
I'm pointing people to the most current, scientifically validated
prevention guidance. Our local project organizers won't have to
spend a lot of money to get access to the latest information about
what works."
With its focus on ease of navigation, the PreventionDSS is powered
to support even the most technology-shy computer novices. Tutorials
are available on basics such as the use of Web browsers, saving
and printing files, and installing plugins like Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Because the DSS is Web-based and all data are stored on Web servers,
users can access the DSS from any location, build any number of
projects, and get detailed progress notes without exhausting their
computer's memory. They don't even have to buy any special software.
CSAP Director Ruth Sanchez-Way, Ph.D., described the DSS as "the
cornerstone" in CSAP's efforts to build a national prevention
program, and "a means for getting the best prevention methods
and programs into communities nationwide. With the DSS, we can offer
end-users an enormous virtual library that's as accessible and friendly
as their local library branch."
The
system is evolving with continual input from the prevention field
as well as CSAP program units and other Federal agencies. "Building
the boat while we're sailing it," is how Dr. Rolf described
the process. "For example," he said, "DSS users have
told us they'd like more opportunities for collaboration and referrals
for contacts with other organizations. Features promoting collaborations
will be incorporated in the 'My DSS' section soon.
"Feedback from the field plays a big role in our improving
and maintaining the system," Dr. Rolf continued. "Users
can provide feedback via an e-mail link or through the toll-free
(800) phone number. CSAP will continue partnering with prevention
providers and other users at all levels to ensure we're meeting
their needs."
To access the Decision Support System Web site, visit www.preventiondss.org.
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