Implementation of evidence-based practices in state mental health systems: implications for research and effectiveness studies.
There is a huge gap between knowledge and practice, and between what is known through research and what is actually implemented in public mental health systems. In the past 2 decades, rigorous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of various treatments and interventions but these findings have not resulted in broad-based implementation. A major contention of this article is that while there is a growing body of knowledge related to evidence-based practices, there is a lack of understanding and research related to factors critical for implementation. This article reviews the current status of implementation of evidence-based practices in the public mental health system and identifies challenges and barriers related to their dissemination. Based on this analysis, this article proposes a research agenda that promotes the development of a science of implementation of evidence-based practices.
Ganju
Vijay
V
Center for Mental Health Quality and Accountability, NASMHPD Research Institute, Inc., 66 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 302, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA. vijay.ganju@nasmhpd.org
D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000592:standards; D011634:Public Health