Gatekeeper Review

[Description] [Pros] [Cons] [Common Uses] [Resources]

Description

The appropriateness of draft program materials for a target audience is assessed by individuals who can facilitate, complicate, or deny access to target populations (e.g.: those who control distribution channels). Gatekeeper commitment may be necessary to ensure that a program will be implemented as planned.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Can help obtain support or "buy in" for your program
• Can ensure and smooth access to target populations

Cons

• Can cause setbacks if major revisions are needed (project staff can plan ahead and use formative research to avoid this)
• Obtaining cooperation and getting priority attention can be challenging if gate keepers are not especially invested in the population.

Common Uses

• Ensure that messages will be disseminated and program plans carried out by obtaining gatekeeper approval prior to program dissemination.
• Obtain "buy in" from influential people who control distribution channels.
• Ensure that products conform to gatekeeper agency policies and goals (e.g., television station regulations for PSAs)

Resources

See a form used by gatekeepers to review materials. Gatekeeper Review Form.pdf