Imported "Evidence-Based" or Locally Grown Interventions: A False Dichotomy and Some Hard Choices in Implementation Science.

ABSTRACT

When public health programs are expanding to new areas or territories, it is often recommended by policy-makers and donors that existing evidence-based practices (EBPs) are to be adapted and implemented. While rationale behind this approach is understandable, proper adaptation to culturally different settings may be no less intensive than development of a new intervention based on the local context. A narrow understanding of implementation science concept may lead to overlooking valuable indigenous practices, which may be summarized into effective and potentially more sustainable models. This paper examines from practical standpoint the process and common caveats in cross-cultural adaptation of EPBs and argues for closer attention to available local experiences.