Dissemination and Implementation Research in Marriage and Family Therapy: An Introduction and Call to the Field

Abstract

Despite the considerable resources allocated to research to promote public health, interventions capable of benefiting individuals and families are not finding their way into regular practice. An important avenue for addressing this problem is through dissemination and implementation (D&I) science, a burgeoning research area focusing on translating empirical knowledge into everyday practice. This article begins by suggesting ways in which MFTs are uniquely equipped to contribute to and benefit from D&I research. We will then provide an overview of D&I research, outlines key D&I models, and highlight examples of family intervention research relevant to MFTs using the key models. Finally, we conclude by providing the field with important next steps to advance the presence of MFT research within D&I scholarship.

Strengthening Clinical Research in Marriage and Family Therapy: Challenges and Multilevel Solutions

“…Marriage and family therapies are in a unique position to contribute to and benefit from dissemination initiatives (e.g., Withers, Reynolds, Reed, & Holtrop, 2017). An ideal location to begin the dissemination of findings from clinical research is at professional meetings.…”

“…The train‐the‐trainer approach has been effective in other efforts to train psychotherapy educators, but would require faculty buy‐in and financial support from institutions (Nakamura et al., ). In addition, doctoral educators could explore developing hybrid courses that combine students and faculty from multiple programs and allow them to receive training in an evidence‐based intervention from off‐site experts (Withers et al., ).…”

“…In addition, dissemination and implementation science provides a promising avenue for MFT clinical research (see Withers et al., ). Engaging in this area of research would allow MFTs to contribute toward finding solutions to better integrate evidence‐based practices into real‐world clinical settings.…”

Reflecting on the Past: A Content Analysis of Family Therapy Research from 2000‐2015

“…Another area of concern is the dissemination of research into clinical practice. Withers, Reynolds, Reed, and Holtrop () suggested further establishing the clinical effectiveness of systemic and relational approaches to bridge this gap. These concerns expressed by scholars have not been investigated in quite some time, thus it is essential to obtain a comprehensive view of the clinical effectiveness research being published in our discipline.…”

JMFT Annual Report 2017

“…They are presented here in no specific order. Dissemination and Implementation Research in Marriage and Family Therapy: An Introduction and Call to the Field, by authors Mathew C. Withers, Jamila E. Reynolds, Kayla Reed, and Kendal Holtrop also received high praise. One member of the council indicated that this “ article is beautifully written, on a topic that is vital to the future of mental health care, and includes a clear model for next steps .” A second honorable mention went to Results of Gottman Method Couples Therapy with Gay and Lesbian Couples by authors Salvatore Garanzini, Alapaki Yee, John Gottman, Julie Gottman, Carrie Cole, Marisa Preciado, and Carolyn Jasculca.…”