Evidence-based Practice Implementation Strategies: Results of a Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study reports on the strategies used to implement the evidence-based practices of supported employment and integrated dual diagnosis treatment. Using qualitative research methods, the study uncovered eight strategies that contributed to successful implementation in six sites.

The 2009 Schizophrenia PORT Psychosocial Treatment Recommendations and Summary Statements

“…The implementation of evidence-based practices is a complex process and is dependent on structural aspects of the local public mental system. As noted by Drake et al (2009) 3 in a review of the implementation of evidence-based practices in schizophrenia, factors that are important to successfully disseminating psychosocial evidence-based practices include the state mental health authority's provision of leadership, funding, and practice standards [224][225][226] skilled mentoring and training; 227 site level administrative support 224,[227][228][229][230][231] and monitoring of fidelity and outcomes. 232,233 Until clinical service settings can administer evidence-based practices as they are developed and studied, the problem of the imperfect and inadequate application of research to clinical practice will persist.…”

Scales to Evaluate Quality of Medication Management: Development and Psychometric Properties

“…Proof of the directionality of this correlation needs to come from prospective studies of systemic interventions, such as introduction of standardized forms and other systemic quality improvement initiatives based on assessments with these scales. If mental health centers make the commitment to good medication management, fundamental changes will be needed in expectations for the entire medical staff, with corresponding agency leadership and dedicated resources (Rapp et al 2008).…”

Individualization and Quality Improvement: Two New Scales to Complement Measurement of Program Fidelity

“…For example, in a supported employment program, field-based supervision and regular review of employment outcomes with a supervisor are typical quality improvement procedures. Several lines of evidence suggest that organizations committed to quality improvement have improved client outcomes (Becker et al 2007;Gowdy and Rapp 1989;Harkness 1997;Harkness and Hensley 1991;Mor Barak et al 2009;Nadler 1977;Poertner and Rapp 2007;Rapp et al 2008;Shannon et al 2001;Taylor 1987).…”

“…Further, the project identified numerous barriers and facilitators of faithful implementation that can be addressed by various stakeholders in the mental health system (see, e.g., Bond et al 2008;Brunette et al 2008;Finnerty et al 2009;Mancini et al 2009;Marshall et al 2008;Rapp et al 2008).…”