Evidence-based training in treatment treatments: The case of pediatric psychopharmacology

Abstract

Introduction

Despite major research advances in pediatric psychopharmacology and psychotherapy over the last 20 years, the lack of well-trained specialists has posed almost insurmountable barriers to many children and families from receiving high-quality, evidence-based assessment and treatments. The REACH Institute, an international non-profit organization dedicated to disseminating evidence-based treatments, has developed portable, effective methods to train primary care and specialty health providers in pediatric psychopharmacology and psychotherapies.

Objectives

To develop effective, scientifically-proven methods for teaching and disseminating evidence-based treatments.

Aims

To develop, disseminate, and evaluate high quality approaches for teaching primary care and specialty mental health practitioners in pediatric psychopharmacology.

Methods

Using novel approaches grounded in scientific behavioral change technologies, over 700 health care providers have been trained in evidence-based pediatric psychopharmacology in sites across multiple countries, including the US, Canada, and Norway. All trainings are rigorously evaluated for changes in health care practitioners' behaviors and clinical practices, including within an NIH-funded randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Results

Trainings have been very well-received across multiple countries, requiring only minor adaptations. These trainings have been effective in yielding changes in health care practitioners abilities and actual clinical practices, enabling more children to access appropriate pediatric psychopharmacology.

Conclusions

Effective and disseminable methods for changing health care practitioners behaviors in applying pediatric psychopharmacology treatments are possible, and can be adapted to different countries, languages, and cultural contexts.