Publication year
2014
Citation Title
Community-based clinicians’ preferences for training in evidence-based practices: A mixed-method study.
Journal Name
Professional Psychology: Research and Practice
Journal Volume
45
Issue Number
3
Page Numbers
189-199
DOI
10.1037/a0036488
Summary
Research supports the efficacy of evidence-based interventions, but they are often not widely adopted by community-based providers. This study examined the associations between provider background, attitudes toward evidence-based interventions, and type of provider (e.g., clinician, case manager). Results suggest evidence based intervention implementation is impacted by training factors (e.g., relevance, accessibility, level of interaction), availability of on-going supervision, and type of provider.
Key Findings
There were four themes identified as important to training in evidence-based interventions across providers: on-going supervision and support, interactive training rather than lectures, flexible timing of trainings, relevant and appealing topics covered in training.
Behavioral health rehabilitation providers were more likely than case managers to adopt a new evidence-based intervention if they had adequate training or a colleague recommended it.
Behavioral health rehabilitation providers were more likely than clinicians or care managers to adopt a new training when it was required by their state or agency.
Implications for Military Professionals
Help develop interactive training activities to engage providers working with military families while training on evidence-based interventions
Collaborate with other professionals to promote use of and adherence to evidence-based interventions among providers working with military families
Implications for Program Leaders
Educate military families about how to choose a mental health provider who uses evidence-based interventions
Disseminate information regarding the different types of mental health providers and help military families find providers that best fits their needs
Implications for Policy Makers
Recommend education for all professionals working with military families about the importance of using evidence-based interventions and research-supported programs
Encourage the use of evidence-based materials in existing programs for military families
Methods
Three types of providers (i.e., clinicians, care managers, behavioral health rehabilitation providers) were recruited from three community-based clinics in Pennsylvania.
Providers completed questionnaires about demographics and attitudes toward evidence-based interventions and engaged in interviews and focus groups about training preferences.
Attitudes toward evidence-based interventions were examined across different provider types and roles, and intervention training preferences were analyzed for themes.
Participants
The 43 participating providers included 18 clinicians, 16 behavioral health rehabilitation providers, and nine case managers; seven were supervisors and 36 were staff members.
Providers were 84% female, had an average age of 40.7 years, and identified as White (79%), Black (19%), or Asian-American (2%).
Providers had an average of 11.6 years working in human services, and 44% were licensed.
Limitations
Researchers who coded the training preferences themes had only adequate ratings agreement, which may have decreased the accuracy of the results.
The sample was drawn from a small area in Pennsylvania and results, particularly attitudes toward evidence-based interventions, may not generalize to providers in other locations.
The training preferences interview was developed for this study and has not been validated.
Avenues for Future Research
Investigate demographic factors (e.g., education, age, experience) that may impact provider likelihood to implement a new evidence-based intervention
Examine attitudes toward implementation before and after providers receive education regarding the benefits and limitations of evidence-based interventions
Explore the relationship between evidence-based intervention attitudes and adherence
Focus
Civilian
Target Population
Population Focus
Abstract
This study solicited the perspectives of community-based behavioral health practitioners and supervisors about their perceived clinical training needs and preferences using a mixed-methods approach. Forty one participants completed quantitative questionnaires before engaging in qualitative focus groups or interviews. Of those, 34 practitioners participated in a focus group discussion and 7 supervisors participated in semistructured interviews. Quantitative analyses (one-way analysis of variance [ANOVA]; t test) indicated differences in attitude toward the adoption of evidence-based practices across service line, but not role (staff vs. supervisor), with wraparound staff being more open and willing to implement evidence-based practices. Qualitative data were coded by 2 independent coders. Four themes emerged: include training support from trainers, agencies, supervisors, and peers within and across departments; use interactive training methods rather than lecture-based formats; schedule and structure training sessions with an appreciation of the time constraints upon practitioners; and offer training in content areas that are both efficacious and of interest.
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