Table 2:

Limitations in study design used to assess quality of studies evaluating impact of programs

Small sample size

Non-scientific sample

No comparison group

Comparison group limited given important differences from study group

Use of administrative database not intended for research

Only examined short-term outcomes / no long-term follow-up

Evidence of change in knowledge only, not practice change

Reliance on self-reported outcomes rather than actual practice change

No measure of direct impact on victims / older adults

Variations in delivery of intervention, including difficulty implementing