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

Abstract #71932

Joseph Guydish, PhD¹, Sarah Turcotte Manser, MA¹, Barbara Tajima, EdM¹, Martha Jessup, RN, PhD², and Theresa Montini, MSW, PhD¹. (1) Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 California Street, Suite 265, San Francisco, CA 94118, (415) 476-0954, josephg@itsa.ucsf.edu, (2) Institute for Health Policy Studies/UCSF, University of California, 3333California Street, Box 0936, San Francisco, CA 94118-0936

This qualitative study was designed to investigate research-to-practice issues and the extent to which drug abuse treatment interventions are adopted by programs participating in multi-site clinical trials. The long-term project goal is to establish strategies which will increase adoption of interventions that are shown to be effective. We studied two interventions, a group-focused and manual-driven intervention for methamphetamine addicts (Matrix Model), and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)/Motivational Interviewing (MI). To date, 44 interviews have been conducted with clinical trial participants. Funders, researchers and clinicians were questioned about experiences and impressions with the clinical trial, experimental model and adoption issues. Preliminary analysis of the qualitative data reveals factors influencing adoption, such as, organizational readiness and/or perceived need for change, subjective appeal of the model and program resources. Developing themes have emerged, such as, ‘Spaceship RCT (Randomized Clinical Trial)’ describing the process in which the research initiative arrives in community program(s) bringing needed resources and innovative practices. Upon completion, the initiative departs with the same resources and innovative practices needed to sustain the model it introduced. Other themes include ‘Vertical Integration’ and ‘Shifts in Paradigms’, which underscore the need for training/planning at multiple levels of organization, and introduction of a model which may or may not evoke a radical shift in philosophical approach to treating addiction. Discussion of these themes will inform specific recommendations to promote adoption of evidence-based practices in substance abuse treatment.

Learning Objectives:

• At conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1)discuss organizational factors associated with adoption of best practices 2)identify specific strategies for increasing adoption of best practices

Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Evidence Based Practice

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco
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.