Predictors of Engagement in Learning Collaboratives for Youth with Trauma: A Replication and Extension

Several determinants of provider engagement in evidence-based practice (EBP) training programs have been previously identified; however, replication of these findings is sparse. The current study aimed to extend and replicate findings of a previous study examining predictors of provider engagement within two community-based learning collaboratives (CBLC) for youth trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT).

The sample consisted of 135 providers recruited across 22 agencies. The mean (SD) age of participants was 37.0 (11.1), and most participants were female (n = 104, 77%). Fifty-eight (43%) participants identified as Caucasian and 63 (46.7%) identified as Hispanic. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEEs) were run to account for nesting of clinicians within agencies.

Overall, engagement rates were higher in the replication. Rates of completion were similar across each of the CBLC components; however, brokers were much less likely to complete the CBLC than other providers. This study reconfirmed that providers who already viewed their individual practices as trauma-informed were more likely to engage with the CBLC. The current study failed to replicate a relationship between implementation climate and overall provider training engagement, as well as between previous use of TF-CBT components and clinician training engagement. Both studies failed to find a significant relationship between positive attitudes, better organizational support, and prior TF-CBT knowledge and training engagement.

Replicated findings underscore the importance of existing provider practices when designing and planning CBLC implementation. Future implementation efforts should identify methods to increase CBLC fit for providers at-risk of lower engagement.