Dissemination and implementation science in program evaluation: A telemental health clinical consultation case example.
Increased attention has been placed on evaluating the extent to which clinical programs that support the behavioral health needs of youth have effective processes and result in improved patient outcomes. Several theoretical frameworks from dissemination and implementation (D&I) science have been put forth to guide the evaluation of behavioral health program implemented in the context of real-world settings. Although a strong rationale for the integration of D&I science in program evaluation exists, few examples exist available to guide the evaluator in integrating D&I science in the planning and execution of evaluation activities. This paper seeks to inform program evaluation efforts by outlining two D&I frameworks and describing their integration in program evaluation design. Specifically, this paper seeks to support evaluation efforts by illustrating the use of these frameworks via a case example of a telemental health consultation program in pediatric primary care designed to improve access to behavioral health care for children and adolescents in rural settings. Lessons learned from this effort, as well as recommendations regarding the future evaluation of programs using D&I science to support behavioral health care in community-based settings are discussed.
Pace University, Department of Psychology, 41 Park Row, 13th Floor, New York, NY, 10038, United States; University of Maryland, School of Medicine, 737 W Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States. Electronic address: parora@pace.edu.
Prerna G
PG
Arora
University of Maryland, School of Medicine, 737 W Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States. Electronic address: econnors@psych.umaryland.edu.
Elizabeth H
EH
Connors
Florida International University, Department of Psychology, 11200 S.W. 8th Street, Miama, FL 33199, United States. Electronic address: ablizzard8@gmail.com.
Angela
A
Blizzard
University of Maryland, School of Medicine, 737 W Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States. Electronic address: kcoble@psych.umaryland.edu.
Kelly
K
Coble
University of Maryland, School of Medicine, 737 W Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States. Electronic address: ngloff@psych.umaryland.edu.
Nicole
N
Gloff
University of Maryland, School of Medicine, 737 W Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States. Electronic address: dpruitt@psych.umaryland.edu.
David
D
Pruitt
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods*; D019114:Remote Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D014481:United States
Behavioral health; Dissemination and implementation science; Program evaluation; Telehealth