Predicting dissemination of a disaster mental health "Train-the-Trainer" program

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Disaster Mental Health
• Knowledge Dissemination

Background:

• Disaster mental health (DMH) is crucial for community preparedness.
• The train-the-trainer (TTT) model is a common public health strategy, but its effectiveness in DMH is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the development and implementation of a DMH TTT program.
• To examine variables predicting the dissemination of DMH training.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of 140 community-based mental health providers in a DMH TTT program (2005-2006).
• Followed instructors' dissemination for 12 months post-training.
• Conducted bivariate and multivariate analyses to identify predictors of dissemination.

Main Results:

• Sixty percent of trainees conducted further training within 12 months.
• Perceived transfer of training predicted the likelihood of conducting training.
• Prior DMH training and sex predicted the number of individuals trained (559).

Conclusions:

• The TTT model demonstrated moderate success in disseminating DMH training.
• Organizational and individual interventions, alongside training modifications, could enhance cost-effective dissemination.