title: Flexibility and structure may enhance implementation of family-focused therapy in community mental health settings.
abstract: This study elicited provider and administrator preferences in implementing an evidence-based practice (EBP) for bipolar disorder or psychosis, family-focused therapy (FFT). Providers (n = 35) and administrators (n = 5) from three community mental health centers took part in FFT training and participated in pre- and post-training focus groups. Transcripts were examined using conventional content analysis. Providers and administrators discussed barriers to implementing EBPs. Successful EBPs were described as incorporating flexibility and close supervision to maximize provider adherence. Providers expressed preferences for structured EBPs like FFT that have both explicit implementation steps and built-in flexibility.
authors.affiliation: Center for Health Services and Society, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, 10920 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA, bchung@mednet.ucla.edu.
authors.forename: Bowen
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mikesell
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Miklowitz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003155:Community Mental Health Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006270:Health Facility Administrators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016730:Program Development