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Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research

Published in:

01-09-2016 | Original Article

The Effect of a Change Agent on Use of Evidence-Based Mental Health Practices

Authors: Sonya J. Leathers, Jill E. Spielfogel, Joan Blakey, Errick Christian, Marc S. Atkins

Published in: Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research | Issue 5/2016

Abstract

Children’s service systems are faced with a critical need to disseminate evidence-based mental health interventions. Despite the proliferation of comprehensive implementation models, little is known about the key active processes in effective implementation strategies. This proof of concept study focused on the effect of change agent interactions as conceptualized by Rogers’ diffusion of innovation theory on providers’ (N = 57) use of a behavioral intervention in a child welfare agency. An experimental design compared use for providers randomized to training as usual or training as usual supplemented by change agent interactions after the training. Results indicate that the enhanced condition increased use of the intervention, supporting the positive effect of change agent interactions on use of new practices. Change agent types of interaction may be a key active process in implementation strategies following training.

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Title: The Effect of a Change Agent on Use of Evidence-Based Mental Health Practices
Authors: Sonya J. Leathers
Jill E. Spielfogel
Joan Blakey
Errick Christian
Marc S. Atkins
Publication date: 01-09-2016
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research / Issue 5/2016
Print ISSN: 0894-587X
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3289
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-015-0694-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The Effect of a Change Agent on Use of Evidence-Based Mental Health Practices

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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