title: Implementation Science in School Mental Health: Key Constructs in a Developing Research Agenda.
abstract: In this paper, we propose an implementation science research agenda as it applies to school mental health (SMH). First, we provide an overview of important contextual issues to be considered when addressing research questions pertinent to the implementation of mental health interventions in schools. Next, we critically review three core implementation components: (a) professional development and coaching for school professionals regarding evidence-based practices (EBPs); (b) the integrity of EBPs implemented in schools; and (c) EBP sustainment under typical school conditions. We articulate research questions central to the next generation of research in each of these areas as well as methods to address such questions. Our intent in doing so is to contribute to a developing blueprint to guide community-research partnerships as well as funding agencies in their efforts to advance implementation science in SMH.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.
authors.forename: Julie Sarno
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Owens
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98102, USA.
authors.forename: Aaron R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Lyon
authors.affiliation: Center for School Mental Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Nicole Evangelista
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Brandt
authors.affiliation: Psychology Department, William Patterson University, Wayne, NJ, USA. Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA. Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Langone Medical Center, Manhattan, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Carrie Masia
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Warner
authors.affiliation: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Langone Medical Center, Manhattan, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Erum
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nadeem
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Spiel
authors.affiliation: SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wagner
keywords: Coaching; Implementation science; Integrity; Professional development; School mental health; Sustainability; Sustainment