Implementation Science and Quality Improvement

ENSURING HIGH-QUALITY DELIVERY OF CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENTS

An evidence-based children’s mental health treatment is one proven by research to work.  Unfortunately, results sometimes falter when evidence-based treatments are replicated in real-world settings. CHDI uses implementation science and a variety of quality improvement strategies to ensure that evidence-based practices are disseminated and delivered as intended and are benefiting children and families.

Implementation Science: Disseminating Evidence-Based Practices Using a Learning Collaborative Model

Implementation science is the study of the methods used to translate research into practice. It is based on research demonstrating that new, innovative practices are more likely to be adopted and sustained when there is a good fit among the innovation, the agencies who will be implementing it, the broader system, and other contextual factors.

CHDI uses a Learning Collaborative model, based on the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Breakthrough Series Collaborative. The model brings together treatment developers, consultants, and funders with agencies implementing the treatment including executives, supervisors, clinicians, and family partners.  The model is intended to support shared learning among all partners to ensure effective and sustained implementation. Key components of the Learning Collaborative model include clinical consultation from model developers, regular learning sessions, implementation support, data collection and reporting, and quality improvement activities.

CHDI has used Learning Collaboratives to disseminate the following evidence-based practices in Connecticut:

• Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI)
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, or Conduct Problems (MATCH-ADTC)
• Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC)
• Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)

For more information on CHDI’s use of implementation science, Learning Collaboratives, or implementation consultation, contact us or read our IMPACT report. 

Quality Improvement: Performance Improvement Center Model

CHDI also recognizes that the use of quality improvement strategies--one component of implementation science--can be an effective approach for promoting system-wide transformation and sustaining evidence-based practices in real-world settings. CHDI helped to develop the Performance Improvement Center model in Connecticut, which promotes access to care, service quality, model fidelity, and positive outcomes. The PIC framework and approach is objective, collaborative, data-informed and transparent. CHDI offers a number of quality improvement activities that result in improved behavioral health practices and outcomes, including:

• Data analysis and reporting
• Standardized training
• Standardized model and practice development
• Consultation and technical assistance

CHDI’s has used quality improvement activities to support the following behavioral health initiatives in Connecticut:

• Mobile Crisis Intervention Services
• Care Coordination
• School-Based Diversion Initiative
• Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) 
• Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, or Conduct Problems (MATCH)
• Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS)

For more information about quality improvement or the Performance Improvement Center model, read our IMPACT report or contact Jason Lang.

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