Generalizing disease management program results: how to get from here to there.
For a disease management (DM) program, the ability to generalize results from the intervention group to the population, to other populations, or to other diseases is as important as demonstrating internal validity. This article provides an overview of the threats to external validity of DM programs, and offers methods to improve the capability for generalizing results obtained through the program. The external validity of DM programs must be evaluated even before program selection and implementation are begun with a prospective new client. Any fundamental differences in characteristics between individuals in an established DM program and in a new population/environment may limit the ability to generalize.
Linden
Ariel
A
Linden Consulting Group, Portland, Oregon, USA. ariellinden@yahoo.com
Adams
John L
JL
Roberts
Nancy
N
D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design; D014481:United States