220 - Evaluability Assessments: Involving Differing Perspectives in Program Selection

Abstract Information: In the United States, there is growing understanding of the key influence of the social determinants of health (SDOH) on a wide range of health outcomes including diabetes prevention and management. Specifically, SDOH can contribute to barriers to fully participating in and completing National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Lifestyle Change Programs (LCPs) and Diabetes self-management education and support services (DSMES) among persons at risk for or living with prediabetes or diabetes. Innovative strategies to reduce or eliminate these barriers to participation and increase retention in LCPs and DSMES are needed. Deloitte Consulting LLP conducted a broad call for nominations of these innovative strategies and then conducted evaluability assessments (EAs)[1] using the systematic screening and assessment method for eight different diabetes prevention and management programs (six LCPs and two DSMES programs). We utilized EAs to better understand the program and its retention strategies from the point of view of a variety of different voices at each site. Along with program staff, we spoke with program participants and a variety of community leaders at our EA sites. It was important for us to hear from individuals who are typically underserved or unheard in these processes because the final evaluation of programs selected through the EA seeks to develop a stronger evidence base for engaging and retaining individuals historically underserved by LCPs and DSMES services. These individuals include African Americans, Hispanic individuals, those living with disabilities, those of lower socioeconomic status, under and uninsured individuals, and individuals over 50 years of age.[2] Our poster presentation will provide: • The purpose of the EA • A summary of the EA activities • The populations engaged with during the EA • Descriptions of the innovative retention strategies developed at each site (total of eight strategies, see below) • Key takeaways from the EA STRATEGIES 1. Offering Multiple Weekly LCP Sessions in Cleveland, Ohio (LCP) 2. Encouraging “Healthy Selfies” to Motivate Participants in Englewood, Colorado (LCP) 3. Conducting Readiness Assessments in Camp Springs, Maryland (LCP) 4. Engaging Providers and Strategically Marketing to Patients in Weston, Wisconsin (LCP) 5. Employing a Messaging App to Continue Conversations in Topeka, Kansas (LCP) 6. Accommodating Participants in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (LCP) 7. Addressing SDOH Barriers in Indianapolis, Indiana (DSMES) 8. Using Continuous Glucose Monitors in Chicago, Illinois (DSMES) We invite interested participants to join us to learn more about evaluability assessments, inclusion of diverse perspectives, diabetes prevention and management programs, and/or strategies to overcome SDOH barriers to retention in health-related programs. We also encourage individuals with experience in diabetes prevention and management and/or SDOH-based work to visit us and share their knowledge and expertise. [1] Newcomer, Kathryn E., Harry P. Hatry, and Joseph S. Wholey, eds. Handbook of practical program evaluation. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass & Pfeiffer Imprints, Wiley, 2015. [2] Hacker K, Houry D. (2022) Social Needs and Social Determinants: The Role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Public Health. Public Health Reports. 137(6). 1049-1052. 10.1177/00333549221120244