Evidence-Based Programmes and How They Affect Outcomes and Risk and Protective Factors

Blueprints is a publicly accessible online database of evidence-based programmes covering multiple outcome areas across developmental stages from infancy to early adulthood. Blueprints programmes must have been tested by at least one good randomised controlled trial or two good quasi-experimental studies, with a preponderance of evidence demonstrating a positive impact. They must also be ready for dissemination in communities and public service systems.

This paper starts by outlining the standards of evidence that underpin Blueprints, covering intervention specificity (whether the programme is focused, practical and logical), evaluation quality (whether the evaluations produces valid and reliable findings), intervention impact (how much positive change in outcomes can be attributed to the programme), and dissemination readiness (whether the necessary infrastructure exists to enable the programme’s successful implementation in communities and public service systems).

The paper then summarises the outcomes that approved programmes affect and the risk and protective factors (RPFs) that they target. Outcomes cover behaviour, physical health, relationships, emotional well-being and education. RPFs include individual/peer, family, school, work and neighbourhood factors. The paper explores the relationship between the type of programme and outcomes/RPFs, and also highlights outcomes/RPFs that few or no programmes address.

The paper identifies common elements of the logic models that underpin approved programmes, and examines how far programme evaluations have tested those logic models through mediation analyses. Finally, the paper considers implications of the analysis for developing, implementing and evaluating evidence-based programmes in Europe.