Adoption of Evidence-Based Practices in Community Mental Health: A Mixed Method Study of Practitioner Experience

Purpose: This mixed method study examined practitioners as they adopted four EBPs in a community mental health center.

Methods: In-depth semi-structured interviews; a measure of EBPs; attitudes; and a final focus-group were used over a 2-year study period to assess 14 mental health practitioners on one immersion team. The framework for data collection was adapted from organizational theories that view culture and climate as mediating factors.

Results: Analysis of practitioner themes demonstrated that there were facilitating and impeding factors in the adoption process. Practitioners reported positive changes in their individual competency but two years was inadequate for training on 4 EBPs. Involvement of agency administration and consistent supervision were regarded by practitioners as crucial to successful adoption of EBPs.

Conclusion and Implications: The success of adopting EBPs in community mental health recovery has many components including: 1) the consistency of EBPs training and supervision of practitioners; 2) the role of the agency in removing barriers to adoption and supporting the process; and 3) integration of the perspectives of all the stakeholders in the implementation. A mixed method approach to studying the process was helpful; however, the qualitative follow-along interviews bring to light some of the complex issues which are not addressed in standardized measures. The semi-annual timetable of the interviews provided an intervention and perhaps a standard practice to incorporate during EBPS adoption.