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Table 4 Selected quotes- common responses for identifying the most useful part of the Evidence-Based Public Health training (N = 110)

From: Evaluating a train-the-trainer approach for improving capacity for evidence-based decision making in public health

Theme

Selected quotes

Hands-on exercises and group discussion

• The exercises that involved finding and using data on the internet were very valuable.

• Working in groups to figure out problems.

• Small group discussion and group work developing examples of EBPH.

Networking and sharing ideas

• Networking with other people in my community and who are working on developing a community health improvement plan.

• Interactions and exchange of ideas among academics, state agency staff and practice community.

• Interaction with other team members to discuss ways to improve or work with EBPH methods.

Learning the overall EBPH process

• Observing a more efficient and effective way of the things that I was doing.

• Realizing that it was not as intimidating as I imagined it would be. It is important to recognize and become intentional in utilizing EBPH although it takes more time while learning and putting into practice it will save time eventually in every program.

• Explanation of concepts and defining things like logic models. I do not come from public health, so it was very helpful for me to have the basics defined and applied to more complex information.

Learning about new resources

• The most useful part was learning how to use available resources to aid in finding evidence that would be used in decision-making.

• Having the online resources to be able to find evidence based best practices. I have used those sites to review programs when considering new avenues to expand into.

• Utilizing data and information to select evidence-based strategies/programs

Concepts tied to public health practice

• Having a tangible reference as to what “evidenced-based public health strategies” meant and how they could be used in our everyday work lives.

• Presenters applying the lecture to local public health programs.

• Having practical examples related to public health so it makes sense.

Economic evaluation/return on investment (ROI) module

• Everything with cost-benefit analysis. My agency is currently working on our strategic plan, and one area that we are focusing on is financial impact of our programs and staff. This has helped me understand our current budget justification process more, and it will hopefully help us justify monetary need increases in future budgets.

• The information on return on investment, since I’ve either mentioned it or brought materials to light during strategic planning meetings.