Conceptualizing Implementation Practice Capacity in Community-Based Organizations Delivering Evidence-Based Behavioral Health Services

Abstract

Due to the significant prevalence of mental and substance use disorders in the United States, the push for the development and implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in behavioral health has risen exponentially in the last 30 years. Community-based organizations (CBOs) (i.e., self-governing and/or not-for-profit) have been recognized as important providers of behavioral health services. However, there are gaps in the literature surrounding CBO implementation capacity-ability to adopt, implement, and sustain an EBP-and capacity training initiatives (e.g., training in data-based decision-making) that specifically target CBOs and implementation practice. The purpose of this exploratory study was to assess how individuals working within Florida CBOs conceptualize implementation practice capacity and what is needed to reach adequate capacity to utilize an EBP. This qualitative study consisted of semi-structured interviews with eight administrators and nine practitioners currently employed by CBOs who deliver evidence-based behavioral health services (N = 17). Results showed certain implementation practice characteristics such as leadership, culture/climate, collaboration/communication, data-based decision-making and evaluation, and funding were all important areas of implementation practice capacity. Implications for future research focused on conceptualizing and building implementation practice capacity within the context of community behavioral health settings will be discussed.

Improving Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Prevention from the Bottom-up: a Pilot of Getting To Outcomes in the US Military

“…In the pilot, sites with more engaged, knowledgeable installation leaders used GTO more comprehensively, operated with greater accountability, and were more likely to endorse continuing to use GTO. Although many correctly point to “leadership” as being an important predictor of evidence-based practice uptake (Hannes et al, 2010 ; Vroom et al, 2021 ), this study highlights the need for all organizations, including DoD, to activate the “middle” leadership layer. Included in this layer are champions, those who support, market, and support program implementation and help to overcome resistance to prevention efforts in an organization (Bonawitz et al, 2020 ).…”

Scaling Up Implementation Support for Violence Prevention and Resilience Promotion in the Air Force

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“…Therefore, it is essential to incorporate them into the development and refinement process, when applicable, to assist with commitment and buy‐in to the final product. A scientific theory, coupled with lived experience, may allow for targeted modifications of implementation science theory, models, frameworks, and strategies that incorporate the unique needs of the community context while also considering established implementation science concepts (Last et al, 2021; Vroom et al, 2021). Internal capacity building, informed by stakeholders (i.e., CBOs and their staff), may serve as a tangible and feasible strategy to facilitate EBP utilization long‐term.…”