222 - Implementation Ideas for Building Change-Responsive Programs

Abstract Information: In the process of program implementation and evaluation, change can be inevitable. For a more streamlined and effective process, programs should consider building change-responsive strategies and processes into their formative phase to allow for quick and direct adaptation when complications arise. This can lead to a smoother process of evaluation and analysis. Inspired by a case study of a pandemic-era diabetes prevention program, ten ideas for building change-responsiveness into program design and implementation are proposed here: 1. Having aligned priorities and practices with stakeholders/partners prior to practice Using a newly developed Research Partner Goal Alignment Tool, programs can affirm that they are in sync with their stakeholders and partners on key issues like goals, leadership structure, responsibilities and workload division, decision-making, conflict resolution, priorities, and if/then scenarios of interest. This alignment allows program teams and stakeholders to react to changes and challenges together and in both of their interests. 2. Using organizational culture and value-based recruitment to create and maintain a cohesive project team Programs can develop an organizational culture that aligns with team values, and then recruit staff to suit the existing project environment. This could support teamwork and decision-making processes. 3. Anticipating major sources of change and supporting them within the project design For example, a program with many student workers should be prepared to manage the in/out transition process. Supports could include staffing a manager, preparing possible contingency plans, and researching solutions. 4. Anticipating workload and preparing appropriate compensation for scope of work This type of preparation can help avoid overextending employees without additional compensation, which can lead to burnout and quitting, even for dedicated staff members. 5. Having sufficient funding to compensate staff fairly and run the full program Projects should develop multiple funding sources to prepare for possible loss, and should not expand without firm resources and capacity. 6. Establishing regular and frequent feedback methods for future evaluation By creating feedback systems from the beginning, programs can adapt or expand them as needed during implementation. 7. Establishing trust and human connection early in the program to create confidence when a program must change Developing trust between participants and program staff can help participants continue with a program even when the environment forces changes. 8. Anticipating potential implementation changes in multi-year projects and be prepared to start earlier if needed If a project plans on expanding after one year into online classes, then if a pandemic occurs and requires distancing, online classes have been prepared already. 9. Operationalizing key ideas into new options and contingency plans when forced to change An example of this is taking the concept of “social support” from a classroom environment to a virtual classroom during the pandemic. It is essentially finding a way to reach the same outcomes through different methods. 10. Building on the experiences and lessons of staff members and past programs Programs can benefit from listening to staff experiences at other organizations and lessons learned from their previous projects.