Multifamily Group Psychoeducation in New York State: Implementation and Fidelity Outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
The study examined implementation outcomes from a large state initiative to support dissemination of multifamily group (MFG) psychoeducation in outpatient mental health settings.


METHODS
Thirty-one sites participated in the project. Baseline training in the MFG model was followed by monthly expert consultation delivered in either a group (16 sites) or individual format (15 sites). Research staff assessed fidelity to the MFG model by telephone at baseline and 12, 18, and 24 months and documented time to completion of three key milestones: holding a family joining session, a family educational workshop, and an MFG meeting.


RESULTS
Intent-to-train analyses found that 12 sites (39%) achieved high fidelity to the MFG model, and 20 (65%) achieved moderate or high fidelity. Mean scores on the Family Psychoeducation Fidelity Assessment Scale increased over time. Twenty-five sites (81%) conducted at least one joining session, and 20 (65%) conducted at least one MFG. Mean±SD time from baseline to the first group was 11.75±4.78 months. Programs that held the first joining session within four to 12 months after training were significantly more likely than programs that did not to conduct a group (p<.05). No significant differences were found by consultation format.


CONCLUSIONS
Implementation of moderate- to high-fidelity MFG programs in routine outpatient mental health settings is feasible. Sites that moved very quickly or very slowly in early implementation stages were less likely to be successful in conducting an MFG. More research on the efficiency and effectiveness of consultation formats is needed to guide future implementation efforts.
When this work was done, Dr. Kealey was with the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYSOMH), New York City. Dr. Kealey is currently with the New York City Human Resources Administration (e-mail: edith.kealey@gmail.com ). Dr. Finnerty is with NYSOMH and the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York City. Dr. Leckman-Westin is with NYSOMH, Albany, and with the School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Rensselaer. Dr. Jewell is with the Family Institute for Education, Practice and Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, and with the Center for Practice Innovations at Columbia Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City. Preliminary project findings were presented at the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors Research Institute Conference, Washington, D.C., February 12-14, 2007.
Edith M
EM
Kealey
When this work was done, Dr. Kealey was with the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYSOMH), New York City. Dr. Kealey is currently with the New York City Human Resources Administration (e-mail: edith.kealey@gmail.com ). Dr. Finnerty is with NYSOMH and the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York City. Dr. Leckman-Westin is with NYSOMH, Albany, and with the School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Rensselaer. Dr. Jewell is with the Family Institute for Education, Practice and Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, and with the Center for Practice Innovations at Columbia Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City. Preliminary project findings were presented at the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors Research Institute Conference, Washington, D.C., February 12-14, 2007.
Emily
E
Leckman-Westin
When this work was done, Dr. Kealey was with the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYSOMH), New York City. Dr. Kealey is currently with the New York City Human Resources Administration (e-mail: edith.kealey@gmail.com ). Dr. Finnerty is with NYSOMH and the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York City. Dr. Leckman-Westin is with NYSOMH, Albany, and with the School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Rensselaer. Dr. Jewell is with the Family Institute for Education, Practice and Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, and with the Center for Practice Innovations at Columbia Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City. Preliminary project findings were presented at the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors Research Institute Conference, Washington, D.C., February 12-14, 2007.
Thomas C
TC
Jewell
When this work was done, Dr. Kealey was with the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYSOMH), New York City. Dr. Kealey is currently with the New York City Human Resources Administration (e-mail: edith.kealey@gmail.com ). Dr. Finnerty is with NYSOMH and the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York City. Dr. Leckman-Westin is with NYSOMH, Albany, and with the School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Rensselaer. Dr. Jewell is with the Family Institute for Education, Practice and Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, and with the Center for Practice Innovations at Columbia Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City. Preliminary project findings were presented at the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors Research Institute Conference, Washington, D.C., February 12-14, 2007.
Molly T
MT
Finnerty
D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D009518:New York; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000193:education*