The Development of an Evidence-based Toolkit to Prevent Meningococcal Disease in College Students

Abstract

This article describes an innovative, evidence-based approach to community healthcare: the creation of toolkits to address health problems. The exemplar used is the development of an evidence-based meningococcal disease prevention toolkit, with action plans for dissemination, implementation, and evaluation, to be used by healthcare providers in developing comprehensive programs on college campuses. Qualitative research methods were used to develop the content. Formative and summative evaluations were conducted. Anticipated outcomes of such toolkits when implemented as designed are provision of evidence-based healthcare, improved health status of individuals, populations, and communities, fewer hospitalizations, and reduction of healthcare costs.