10 Proven Steps to Better Programs (and Outcomes Funders Expect) 2017
This graphic outlines Getting to Outcomes (GTO), a results-oriented approach to running effective programs.
Publications
Featured Publication
Journal Articles
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Cost Analysis of a Randomized Trial of Getting to Outcomes Implementation Support for a Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program Offered in Boys and Girls Clubs in Alabama and Georgia 2021
This study estimated the cost of adding Getting To Outcomes implementation support to a teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection prevention evidence-based program called Making Proud Choices in 32 Boys and Girls Clubs in Alabama and Georgia.
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"What We Have Here, Is a Failure to [Replicate]": Ways to Solve a Replication Crisis in Implementation Science 2021
This article reviews what is known about replication of implementation trials, and identifies the gaps and next steps to continue increasing the transparency, openness, and replicability of implementation research.
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Sustaining an Evidence-Based Program Over Time: Moderators of Sustainability and the Role of the Getting to Outcomes® Implementation Support Intervention 2021
This randomized controlled trial advances the literature by testing the effects of Getting To Outcomes, an after-school evidence-based program for preventing substance use among middle-school students.
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Cost Analysis of a Randomized Trial of Getting to Outcomes Implementation Support of CHOICE in Boys and Girls Clubs in Southern California 2020
This study estimates the societal costs of implementing CHOICE, a voluntary after-school alcohol and other drug prevention program for adolescents, in Boys and Girls Clubs across Southern California with and without an implementation support system called Getting To Outcomes.
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Influence of an Implementation Support Intervention on Barriers and Facilitators to Delivery of a Substance Use Prevention Program 2020
Findings highlight that implementation support, such as Getting to Outcomes, is likely to help low-resourced community-based organizations improve program delivery through a focus on implementation processes.
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Testing Implementation Support For Evidence-Based Programs in Community Settings: A Replication Cluster-Randomized Trial of Getting To Outcomes 2019
The systematic support provided by Getting to Outcomes can help community organizations implement evidence-based prevention programs with more fidelity.
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A Program for Local Health Departments to Adapt and Implement Evidence-Based Emergency Preparedness Programs 2018
Local health departments report improved capacities when using the Getting to Outcomes approach.
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An Evidence-Based Co-Occurring Disorder Intervention in VA Homeless Programs: Outcomes from a Hybrid III Trial 2018
An implementation strategy called Getting to Outcomes increased the number of homeless vets that engaged in treatment in a VA program, but the strategy had no significant effects on hospitalization, mental health, or substance abuse outcomes.
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A Cluster-Randomized Trial of Getting To Outcomes' Impact on Sexual Health Outcomes in Community-Based Settings 2017
Getting to Outcomes, an implementation support intervention, can strengthen evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention programs.
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Building Capacity for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): A Pilot Study 2017
We designed and tested the feasibility, effectiveness, and sustainability of CQI approaches in substance use disorder treatment settings
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Using Getting To Outcomes to Facilitate the Use of an Evidence-Based Practice in VA Homeless Program: A Cluster-Randomized Trial of an Implementation Support Strategy 2017
This paper presents an evaluation of an effort to incorporate an evidence-based, dual disorder treatment called Maintaining Independence and Sobriety Through Systems Integration, Outreach, and Networking-Veterans Edition (MISSION-Vet) into case management teams serving Veterans who are homeless.
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Continuous Quality Improvement in Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities: How Much Does It Cost? 2017
The costs of implementing continuous quality improvement activities in substance abuse treatment facilities are relatively low overall.
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Can Implementation Support Help Community-Based Settings Better Deliver Evidence-Based Sexual Health Promotion Programs? A Randomized Trial of Getting To Outcomes® 2016
In typical community-based settings, manuals and training common to structured evidence-based practices may be sufficient to yield low levels of performance and moderate levels of fidelity, but systematic implementation support is needed to achieve high levels of performance and fidelity.
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A Novel Test of the GTO Implementation Support Intervention in Low Resource Settings: Year 1 Findings and Challenges 2016
Boys & Girls Club sites that used the Getting to Outcomes implementation support tool had greater capacity to run the Making Proud Choices program, but youth sexual health outcomes were no better at sites that used the tool versus those that did not.
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A Cluster Randomized Hybrid Type III Trial Testing an Implementation Support Strategy to Facilitate the Use of an Evidence-Based Practice in VA Homeless Programs 2015
This paper presents a study protocol to evaluate the implementation of an evidence-based, co-occurring disorder treatment called Maintaining Independence and Sobriety Through Systems Integration, Outreach, and Networking--Veterans Edition (MISSION-Vet) in HUD-VASH using an implementation strategy called Getting To Outcomes (GTO).
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Evaluating the Impact of Getting to Outcomes-Underage Drinking on Prevention Capacity and Alcohol Merchant Attitudes and Selling Behaviors 2014
Assessed whether providing prevention coalitions with Getting To Outcomes-Underage Drinking (GTO-UD) helped improve implementation of two common EAP strategies, responsible beverage service training (RBS) and compliance checks.
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Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) in Addiction Treatment Settings: Design and Intervention Protocol of a Group Randomized Pilot Study 2014
Few studies have designed and tested the use of continuous quality improvement approaches in community based substance use treatment settings. Little is known about the feasibility, costs, efficacy, and sustainment of such approaches in these settings.
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The Carrot and the Stick: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Influences on Responsible Merchant Practices to Reduce Underage Drinking 2013
Merchants who hold more pro-enforcement attitudes engage in more responsible beverage service training practices, which in turn is associated with greater enforcement of underage drinking. These attitudes are potential targets of prevention efforts.
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An Intervention to Improve Program Implementation: Findings from a Two -Year Cluster Randomized Trial of Assets-Getting to Outcomes 2013
Studies have shown that communities have not always been able to implement evidence-based prevention programs with quality and achieve outcomes demonstrated by prevention science.
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Intervening with Practitioners to Improve the Quality of Prevention: One-Year Findings from a Randomized Trial of Assets-Getting to Outcomes 2013
This article reports interim findings from a randomized controlled trial evaluating Assets-Getting To Outcomes (AGTO)
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Enhancing Quality Interventions Promoting Healthy Sexuality (EQUIPS): A Novel Application of Translational Research Methods 2013
Overviews the study Enhancing Quality Interventions Promoting Healthy Sexuality (EQUIPS), which tests how well a community-based setting conducts an EBP, Making Proud Choices, that aims to prevent teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
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Lessons Learned from a Quality Improvement Intervention with Homeless Veteran Services 2012
Homeless veterans are a vulnerable population, with high mortality and morbidity rates. Evidence-based practices for homelessness have been challenging to implement.
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Establishing and Evaluating the Key Functions of an Interactive Systems Framework Using an Assets-Getting to Outcomes Intervention 2012
Community practitioners can face difficulty in achieving outcomes demonstrated by prevention science.
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Employing Continuous Quality Improvement in Community-Based Substance Abuse Programs 2012
This article aims to describe continuous quality improvement (CQI) for substance abuse prevention and treatment programs in a community-based organization setting.
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The Premises Is the Premise: Understanding Off- and On-Premises Alcohol Sales Outlets to Improve Environmental Alcohol Prevention Strategies 2011
Outlets that sell alcohol on the premises (e.g., bars or restaurants) do more to prevent alcohol sales to minors than outlets such as convenience or liquor stores.
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Technical Assistance as a Prevention Capacity-Building Tool: A Demonstration Using the Getting to Outcomes Framework 2009
Demands on community-based prevention programs for performance accountability and positive outcomes are ever increasing in the face of constrained resources. Relatively little is known about how technical assistance (TA) should be structured to benefit community-based organizations and to lead to better outcomes. In this study, data from multiple sources were used to describe an effective TA model designed to improve the capacity of community-based organizations to plan, implement, and evaluate prevention programming.
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Strengthening Prevention Performance Using Technology: A Formative Evaluation of Interactive Getting to Outcomes® 2009
This article reports on a formative evaluation of efforts to build community-based prevention capacity in two states (Tennessee and Missouri) using an Internet-based system known as interactive Getting To Outcomes® (iGTO).
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Promoting Evidence-Based Practices: The Adoption of a Prevention Support System in Community Settings 2009
Prevention support systems (PSSs) are designed to help communities implement evidence-based practices (EBPs).
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The Getting to Outcomes Demonstration and Evaluation: an Illustration of the Prevention Support System 2008
Communities are increasingly being required by state and federal funders to achieve outcomes and be accountable, yet are often not provided the guidance or the tools needed to successfully meet this challenge.
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Developing a Community Science Research Agenda for Building Community Capacity for Effective Preventive Interventions 2005
Research has shown that prevention programming can improve community health when implemented well.
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Getting to Outcomes: A Community-Based Participatory Approach to Preventive Interventions 2004
Describes a prevention process and corresponding technical assistance package for substance abuse prevention programs.
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Using the Getting-To-Outcomes (GTO) Model in a Statewide Prevention Initiative 2001
This article briefly describes the GTO model and the accountability questions.
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Getting to Outcomes: A Results-Based Approach to Accountability 2000
Getting to outcomes: methods and tools for planning, evaluation, and accountability (GTO) was developed as a guidebook to help practitioners plan, implement, and evaluate their programs to achieve results.
RAND Reports
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Getting to Outcomes® Operations Guide for U.S. Air Force Community Action Teams 2020
This Getting To Outcomes guide will help with the planning, implementation, evaluation, continuous quality improvement, and sustainability of U.S. Air Force Community Action Plans.
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Getting To Outcomes® Operations Guide for U.S. Air Force Community Action Teams: Content Area Module for Workplace Stress Prevention and Reduction in the Air Force 2020
This content area module for workplace stress prevention and reduction is a companion volume to the Getting To Outcomes Operations Guide for U.S. Air Force Community Action Teams. It includes guidance, resources, and examples of completed tools.
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Getting To Outcomes® Operations Guide for U.S. Air Force Community Action Teams: Content Area Module for Air Force Sexual Harassment Prevention 2020
This content area module for Air Force sexual harassment prevention is a companion volume to the Getting To Outcomes Operations Guide for U.S. Air Force Community Action Teams. It includes guidance, resources, and examples of completed tools.
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Getting To Outcomes® Operations Guide for U.S. Air Force Community Action Teams: Content Area Module for Air Force Sleep Health Promotion 2020
This content area module for Air Force sleep health promotion is a companion volume to the Getting To Outcomes Operations Guide for U.S. Air Force Community Action Teams.
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Getting To Outcomes® Operations Guide for Air National Guard Community Action Teams 2021
This Getting To Outcomes guide will help with the planning, implementation, evaluation, continuous quality improvement, and sustainability of Air National Guard Community Action Plans. It includes guidance, resources, and examples of completed tools.
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Getting To Outcomes® Guide for Community Emergency Preparedness 2017
This Getting To Outcomes guide will help with the planning, implementation, evaluation, continuous quality improvement, and sustainability of community emergency preparedness programs. It includes instructions, completed examples, and blank tools.
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Getting to Outcomes Guide for Teen Pregnancy Prevention 2016
This Getting To Outcomes (GTO) guide is designed to help community organizations plan, evaluate, and improve the quality of their teen pregnancy prevention (TPP) programs.
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Promoting Success: A Getting To Outcomes® Guide to Implementing Continuous Quality Improvement for Community Service Organizations 2015
Describes practical steps for conducting continuous quality improvement in community service organizations.
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Process Evaluation of the New Mexico Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Competitive Development Grant 2014
This report describes the evaluation of the New Mexico Home Visiting Competitive Development Grant, which aimed to pilot test the use of implementation supports to improve the development and implementation of home visiting in high-need communities.
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Getting To Outcomes® for Home Visiting: How to Plan, Implement, and Evaluate a Program in Your Community to Support Parents and Their Young Children 2013
Describes the ten-step Getting To Outcomes® process for planning, implementing, and evaluating home visiting programs aimed at improving outcomes for families with young children.
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Preventing Underage Drinking: Using Getting To Outcomes™ with the SAMHSA Strategic Prevention Framework to Achieve Results 2007
Alcohol is the primary contributor to adolescent deaths in the United States. This comprehensive, step-by-step guide is designed to take communities through the process of planning, implementing, and evaluating strategies to prevent underage drinking.
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Obteniendo Resultados 2004: Promoción de Responsabilidad a Través de Métodos y Herramientas de Planeación, Implementación y Evaluación 2005
Incorporating traditional evaluation, empowerment evaluation, results-based accountability, and continuous quality improvement, this manual's ten-step process enhances practitioners' substance abuse prevention skills.
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Getting To Outcomes™ 2004: Promoting Accountability Through Methods and Tools for Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation 2004
Incorporating traditional evaluation, empowerment evaluation, results-based accountability, and continuous quality improvement, this manual's ten-step process enhances practitioners' substance abuse prevention skills.
Chapters and Books
Getting To Outcomes®: Evidence of Empowerment Evaluation and Evaluation Capacity Building at Work 2015
In D. Fetterman, S. Kaftarian, & A. Wandersman. (Eds.), Second Edition. Empowerment Evaluation: Knowledge and Tools for Self-assessment, Evaluation Capacity Building and Accountability. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Building Capacity for Outcomes Measurement in Human Service Organizations: The "Getting To Outcomes" (GTO) Method 2011
In Jennifer L. Magnabosco and Ronald W. Manderscheid (Eds.), Second Edition. Outcomes Measurement in the Human Services: Cross-Cutting Issues and Methods in the Era of Health Reform. Washington, D.C.: NASW Press.
Community Prevention Handbook on Adolescent Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment 2009
In C. Leukefeld, T. Gullotta, & M. Staton-Tindall (Eds.), Adolescent substance abuse: Evidence-based approaches to prevention and treatment (pp. 213-249). New York, NY: Springer Science + Business Media.
Embedding Improvements, Lived Experience and Social Justice in Evaluation Practice 2006
In Shaw I, Greene J, and Mark M (Eds.), Handbook of evaluation: Program, policy and practice. (pp. 287-314). Sage Publications.
Mobilizing Communities for Positive Youth Development: Lessons Learned from Neighborhood Groups and Community Coalitions 2006
In Clary, EG & Rhodes JE (Eds.), Mobilizing Adults for Positive Youth Development: Strategies for Closing the Gap between Beliefs and Behaviors: Search Institute Series on Developmentally Attentive Communities and Society
Getting To Outcomes with Developmental Assets: Ten steps to measuring success in youth programs and communities2006
Minneapolis, MN: Search Institute
The trademarks “Getting to Outcomes” and ”GTO” are jointly owned by the RAND Corporation and the University of South Carolina.