Supporting implementation: the role of community development teams to build infrastructure

Abstract

Evidence-based methods for assisting consumers, such as counties, in successfully implementing practices are lacking in the field of implementation science. To fill this gap, the Community Development Teams (CDT) approach was developed to assist counties in developing peer networks focused on problem-solving and resource sharing to enhance their possibility of successful implementation. The CDT is an interactive, solution-focused approach that shares many elements of the Interactive Systems Framework (ISF) for Dissemination and Implementation. An ongoing randomized implementation trial of Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC) was designed to test the hypothesis that such interactive implementation methods are more successful at helping counties achieve successful and sustainable MTFC programs than standard individualized implementation methods. Using the Stages of Implementation Completion measure, developed for this study, the potential benefit of these interactive methods is examined at different stages of the implementation process ranging from initial engagement to program competency.

Figures

Fig. 1

Sample of county activity as rated on the SIC. These processes are not necessarily linear and counties are not mandated to completed every activity. Includes a random sample of the 56 sites participating in the study. Shaded region indicates stages that are right censored. That is, because of the ongoing nature of this trial some counties have not yet moved far enough in time to complete all of the listed activities. Missing data might be a function of “no opportunity” rather than a skipping the activity