How Intervention and Implementation Characteristics Relate to Community Therapists' Attitudes Toward Evidence-Based...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Implementation Science

Background:

• Therapist attitudes towards evidence-based practices (EBPs) are crucial for successful implementation.
• Understanding which characteristics of EBPs influence these attitudes is vital for improving adoption rates.
• Limited research exists on the specific intervention and implementation factors associated with positive therapist perceptions of EBPs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between intervention and implementation characteristics of EBPs and therapist attitudes.
• To identify specific EBP features that foster more positive therapist perceptions.
• To explore how therapist experience and emotional exhaustion might moderate these relationships.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data.
• Quantitative analysis involved 793 cross-sectional surveys assessing therapist attitudes toward six EBPs.
• Qualitative analysis provided deeper insights into the reasons behind therapist perceptions.

Main Results:

• Therapists reported more positive attitudes towards EBPs with prescribed session content and order.
• Required consultation was also associated with more favorable therapist attitudes.
• These associations were not significantly moderated by therapist experience or emotional exhaustion.

Conclusions:

• Prescribed structure (session content/order) and consultation are key characteristics that enhance therapist acceptance of EBPs.
• Implementation strategies should consider incorporating these supportive elements to improve therapist buy-in.
• Further research can explore the nuances of how these characteristics impact long-term EBP fidelity and effectiveness.