Implementing Evidence-Based Treatments for Youth in Acute and Intensive Treatment Settings

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Evidence-based treatments (EBTs) are well-researched in outpatient settings for mental health concerns, with known benefits and challenges.
• Limited research exists on EBT implementation within acute and intensive treatment settings, including inpatient psychiatric hospitalization (IPH), partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs).
• The specific advantages and difficulties of delivering EBTs in IPH, PHP, and IOP settings remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of EBT implementation in IPH, PHP, and IOP settings.
• To review current models for implementing evidence-based interventions in these intensive programs.
• To discuss strategies for stakeholder engagement, program development, implementation, and measurement.

Main Methods:

• Review of current PHP, IOP, and IPH models for implementing evidence-based interventions.
• Analysis of strategies for stakeholder engagement, program development, and implementation.
• Examination of measurement approaches and considerations for sustainability and practice.

Main Results:

• Implementation of EBTs in intensive settings faces challenges such as multidisciplinary team collaboration and staff training sustainability.
• Current models and strategies for EBT implementation in IPH, PHPs, and IOPs are presented.
• Considerations for program sustainability and practical application are discussed.

Conclusions:

• Successful EBT implementation in acute psychiatric care requires addressing specific challenges related to team dynamics and staff retention.
• The article offers a framework for developing, implementing, and sustaining EBTs in IPH, PHP, and IOP settings.
• Further research and strategic planning are needed to optimize EBT delivery in intensive mental health treatment.