Program self-evaluation: the evolution of an injury prevention foundation.

OBJECT Injuries are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the US. The authors provide a brief discussion of a national injury prevention foundation's self-evaluation of its efforts to decrease the incidence of traumatic injuries through educational programs, legislative efforts, and community programming. METHODS The authors performed a literature review of evaluation studies and activities of the Think First National Injury Prevention Foundation accomplished between 1986 and 2002 and summarized their findings. Suggestions generated from research studies were incorporated into the foundation's programs. Efficacy studies show that the injury prevention programs have a significant impact on knowledge, attitudes, and practice, and demonstrate the need for injury prevention to be recognized as a valuable component of the US medical system. CONCLUSIONS After a self-evaluation, the Think First National Injury Prevention Foundation has made strides in developing a multilevel approach to injury prevention by combining education with legislative initiatives, community-wide safety programming, and a large public presence, similar to what has been accomplished with successful smoking cessation programs and seat-belt use campaigns.