Abstract
In the last two decades, evidence-based practices have become increasingly prioritized, and yet, adoption of evidence-based practices and principles is still limited. It is important then to characterize the contextual factors that facilitate or impede implementation and sustainment evidence-based practice. We conducted a needs assessment of diverse mental health providers (including clinical psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists) to: (a) identify the most commonly perceived practical barriers to incorporating evidence-based practices into clinical care, (b) describe the most valuable features of existing resources that support evidence-based practice, and (c) offer suggestions for how those features can be leveraged to decrease challenges associated with integrating evidence-based principles into clinical practice. We present the results in this study of N = 476 clinical educators, practitioners, and trainees. Practicing in an evidence-based way was identified as a priority by most respondents and yet respondents noted time, cost, and access as barriers to training in, and ongoing engagement with, evidence-based practice. Assessing needs and desired resources helps create the roadmap toward sustainment of evidence-based care.
Public Significance Statement
Although effective treatments exist for a range of mental health concerns, adoption of evidence-based practices (EBPs) is still low. In this survey, mental health providers endorsed positive attitudes toward EBPs and yet many reported ongoing barriers, particularly lack of time, cost, and access. Our study suggests that sustainability of these practices may be enhanced by quality, accessible, and free resources for training and practice.
