title: Using Community Partnerships to Better Understand the Barriers to Using an Evidence-Based, Parent-Mediated Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Medicaid System.
abstract: Service use disparities have been noted to impede under-resourced families' ability to access high-quality services for their child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These disparities are particularly relevant for parent-mediated interventions and may suggest a lack of fit between these interventions and the needs of under-resourced community settings. This study used Roger's Diffusion of Innovations theory to guide community partnerships aimed at understanding the perceived compatibility, complexity, and relative advantage of using an evidence-based, parent-mediated intervention (Project ImPACT) within a Medicaid system. Three focus groups were conducted with 16 Medicaid-eligible parents, and three focus groups were conducted with 16 ASD providers operating within a Medicaid system. Across all groups, parents and providers reported general interest in using Project ImPACT. However, primary themes emerged regarding the need to (a) reduce the complexity of written materials; (b) allow for a more flexible program delivery; (c) ensure a strong parent-therapist alliance; (d) involve the extended family; and (e) help families practice the intervention within their preexisting routines. Results are discussed as they relate to the design and fit of evidence-based, parent-mediated interventions for under-resourced community settings.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA. pickar11@msu.edu.
authors.forename: Katherine E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Pickard
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Amanda N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Kilgore
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Brooke R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Ingersoll
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D004505:Education, Nonprofessional / Q000379:methods*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008484:Medicaid; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Community partnerships; Dissemination science; Medicaid system; Parent-mediated intervention