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Practitioner Attitudes Toward Evidence-based Practice: Themes and Challenges

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Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

 Abstract

The widespread successful implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) into community mental health settings will require a thorough understanding of practitioner attitudes toward these approaches. This study reports on the results of two community mental health practitioner focus groups investigating attitudes toward EBPs, perceived challenges to implementing EBPs, and recommendations for researchers interested in facilitating EBP use in community settings. The participants were child and adolescent mental health professionals (N=19) from two community mental health centers. The focus groups were taped, transcribed and coded for themes. Major themes included concerns regarding the applicability of some research supporting EBPs, a desire for a greater emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, and the need for flexibility within treatment protocols. Themes are discussed within the context of the recent movement toward implementing EBPs in community settings and recent research related to focus group themes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 2006 Dole Human Development Center, University of Kansas, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS, 66045-7555, USA

    Timothy D. Nelson, Ric G. Steele & Jennifer A. Mize

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  1. Timothy D. Nelson
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  2. Ric G. Steele
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  3. Jennifer A. Mize
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Correspondence to Timothy D. Nelson.

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Nelson, T.D., Steele, R.G. & Mize, J.A. Practitioner Attitudes Toward Evidence-based Practice: Themes and Challenges. Adm Policy Ment Health 33, 398–409 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-006-0044-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-006-0044-4

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