The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68041

Dayna M Maniccia, MS, Services Research Section, NYS Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services, 1450 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203, 518-485-0262, daynamaniccia@oasas.state.ny.us, Robert J Gallati, MA, New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, 1450 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203, and Frank McCorry, PhD, Clinical Services, NYSOASAS, 501 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10018-5903.

Researcher-in-Residence (RiR) is a model for encouraging the adoption of research-based improvement in the delivery of substance abuse prevention and treatment services. The model was first developed in 2000 at six sites by the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) in collaboration with the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), the New York State substance abuse agency, and the statewide provider association. Subsequently, the New York State Practice Improvement Collaborative, supported by CSAT and NIAAA, implemented a replication of the RiR model which included several modifications. For instance, while the base model included one-to-one provision of technical assistance to a service provider by a researcher expert in a specific practice improvement area, the replication used a similar format but on a one-to-many provider basis. The replication project expands upon earlier evaluation efforts to determine whether this model is effective in promoting adoption of research-based improvements and which factors mediate that effectiveness. The replication includes three distinct practice improvements and 21 different service providers. Measurement includes a survey of organization readiness for change, observation of TA sessions, participant evaluation of sessions including post-session follow-up, and interviews with program directors. Qualitative and quantitative data are integrated in the analysis. The elements of the Researcher-in-Residence model are explicated in light of the evaluation findings.

Learning Objectives:

After attending this presentation individuals will be: (
• familiar with different researcher-in-residence models for implementing research-based improvements; (
• able to articulate the process and benefits of the researcher-in-residence model; (
• able to assess which strategy would be most appropriate for their needs; and (
• understand the involvement of staff, administration and organizational structure in adoption.

Keywords: Evidence Based Practice, Technology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.