Characterizing Shared and Unique Implementation Influences in Two Community Services Systems for Autism: Applying the EPIS Framework to Two Large-Scale Autism Intervention Community Effectiveness Trials

Adm Policy Ment Health. 2020 Mar;47(2):176-187. doi: 10.1007/s10488-019-00931-4.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine common and unique factors influencing implementation process for two evidence-based interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in mental health and education service contexts. This study prospectively collected qualitative data from intervention developers and research staff on the implementation process within the context of two separate ASD intervention effectiveness trials. Results reveal common and unique factors influencing implementation in both study contexts. Implementation leadership and provider attitudes and motivation emerge as key influences on implementation across systems. These findings provide promising targets for modular implementation interventions that can be leveraged within growing, large-scale translation efforts in usual care.

Keywords: Autism; Education; Effectiveness; Implementation; Mental health services.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Attitude
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / therapy*
  • Community Mental Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Health Personnel / organization & administration
  • Health Personnel / psychology
  • Humans
  • Implementation Science*
  • Inservice Training
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Leadership
  • Models, Organizational
  • Patient Education as Topic / organization & administration
  • Qualitative Research
  • School Teachers / organization & administration
  • School Teachers / psychology
  • Social Work / organization & administration