Evaluating training effectiveness in psychotherapy: lessons for the AOD field

Based on evaluations of effectiveness training on trainee and client outcome in the psychotherapy field, this paper presents a model and recommendations for the alcohol and other drug (AOD) field to consider when conducting investigations into training. Determining the effectiveness of training requires the consideration of a number of factors, including pre-existing trainee variables, methods of training and ability of trainers and the focus of training. The influence of each of these factors may be considered first in terms of proximal outcomes such as trainee satisfaction, improvements in clinical practice and knowledge, and secondly in terms of more distal outcomes, such as the impact that training may have on improving client outcome. The current literature regarding these factors pertaining to psychotherapy outcome is reviewed, and recommendations for evaluating training in the AOD field are made.