Implementation of evidence-based services for youth: assessing provider knowledge

Although provider knowledge is a potential barrier in the dissemination of evidence-based services for youth, research in this area is currently limited by a lack of instrumentation. The present study examined the utility of the Knowledge of Evidence-Based Services Questionnaire (KEBSQ), a 40-item self-report measure designed to assess reporter knowledge of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in the treatment of youth psychopathology. The KEBSQ items encompass practice elements identified in both empirically supported and unsupported protocols used in the treatment of four prevalent childhood problem areas: anxious/avoidant, depressed/withdrawn, disruptive behavior, and attention/hyperactivity. Findings from the present investigation lend support for the basic psychometric properties of the KEBSQ. Results supported temporal stability, discriminative validity, and sensitivity to training. Practical implications to the dissemination of EBPs, areas for future research, and limitations are discussed.