Protocol for a statewide randomized controlled trial to compare three training models for implementing an...

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Implementation Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for childhood behavioral health challenges are underutilized in community settings.
• Limited empirical data exists on the effectiveness of training and quality control models for EBT implementation.
• This study addresses the gap in understanding how different training models impact practice, implementation, and client outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of three distinct training models: Learning Collaborative (LC), Cascading Model (CM), and Distance Education (DE).
• To assess the impact of these models on clinician skills, implementation outcomes, and client outcomes in real-world community settings.
• To compare the differential effects of LC, CM, and DE on the successful implementation and sustainment of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy.

Main Methods:

• A randomized trial involving 50 licensed psychiatric clinics across Pennsylvania, assigned to LC, CM, or DE training conditions.
• Evaluation of clinician-level practice skills and clinic-level implementation/sustainment outcomes at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months.
• Assessment of parent-child dyad client outcomes at pre-treatment, 1, 6, and 12 months post-treatment.

Main Results:

• Data collection is ongoing; results will compare the effectiveness of the three training models.
• The study will provide empirical evidence on the differential impact of training models on implementation and client outcomes.
• Findings will inform the selection and optimization of training strategies for EBTs in community mental health.

Conclusions:

• This research builds upon an ongoing statewide initiative to implement EBTs.
• A multidisciplinary stakeholder team guides the research plan, ensuring diverse perspectives.
• The study aims to provide crucial insights for improving the dissemination and effectiveness of EBTs for children's behavioral health.