Re-Implementation of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) in the Community: Findings From a Pilot Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Intervention Science

Background:

• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for disruptive child behaviors.
• Clinicians trained in PCIT often face challenges in its consistent implementation.
• This study addresses the feasibility and cultural responsiveness of re-engaging clinicians with PCIT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the feasibility, acceptability, and cultural responsiveness of study methods and intervention components.
• To support clinicians in resuming the implementation of PCIT.
• To identify strategies for effective re-implementation of evidence-based parent training interventions.

Main Methods:

• A 6-month pragmatic, parallel-arm, randomized controlled pilot trial.
• Included PCIT-trained clinicians not currently delivering PCIT.
• Intervention strategies included a mobile co-worker, portable time-out space, audio-visual equipment, consultation groups, and refresher training.

Main Results:

• Achieved high clinician enrollment (14/20) and survey response rates (89.8%) with no attrition.
• Clinicians found refresher training and manuals highly acceptable; the time-out cubicle was less so.
• No significant difference in PCIT adoption was observed between groups, despite improvements in clinician capability, opportunity, and motivation.

Conclusions:

• This is the first pragmatic study to re-implement a parent training intervention years after initial clinician training.
• The data collection methodology proved feasible with low attrition and high response rates.
• Findings highlight opportunities for improving definitive trial design to minimize resource waste.