Evidence-Based Practices: Shaping Mental Health Services Toward Recovery

Implementation Resource Kit User's Guide

Components of the Assertive Community Treatment Implementation Resource Kit

The following describes the purpose and content of the individual resource kit materials. This section is followed by a description of the use of these materials in the implementation process.

Implementation Resource Kit User’s Guide

This document describes the implementation resource kit and how to use it. It includes annotated references for the particular evidence-based practice.

Introductory Videotape

This short videotape functions as an introduction for all stakeholders to the evidence-based practice. Much of the film consists of different stakeholders speaking of their experience or demonstrating the practice in action. A Spanish-language version of this videotape is also available.

www.mentalhealthpractices.org

This website contains basic information about each of the six evidence-based practices. It includes references and links to other relevant websites. Information for consumers and family members is available in Spanish.

Information for Stakeholders (five documents)

These documents describe the evidence-based practice and highlight features of the practice most pertinent to the particular stakeholder being addressed. These are engagement pieces that address the question: why should I, as consumer, family member, practitioner, program leader, or administrator be interested in this practice? The documents for consumers and family members are available in Spanish-language versions.

Statement on Cultural Competence

This document addresses the need for practitioners and policymakers to integrate the design and delivery of the evidence-based practices within a culturally responsive context.

Practice Demonstration Videotapes

These videotapes model clinical skills critical for the implementation of the practice. They are designed for use in training and supervisory settings.

Workbook

The workbook is designed as a primer for practitioners regarding skills needed to provide the evidence-based practice. It emphasizes the knowledge and skill practitioners need in order to provide an effective intervention, one with high fidelity to the model. It is designed for use in training or supervisory settings.

Implementation Tips for Mental Health Program Leaders

This document provides practical guidance for agency program leaders on how to implement the evidence-based practice in a community mental health setting. It includes strategies for building consensus in organizations preparing for change and tips on how to develop policies and procedures to support the practice.

Implementation Tips for Public Mental Health Authorities

This document provides practical guidance for public mental health authorities on how to provide incentives and remove barriers to implementation of the evidence-based practice within their mental health system. Advice is given based on the experiences of mental health systems that have been successful in implementing the practice. This document emphasizes the importance of consensus building, creating incentives for change in practitioner and agency behavior, and identifying and removing barriers to change.

Client Outcome Measures

Using outcome measures to evaluate and track consumer gains and program success is critical for effective implementation of an evidence-based practice. Simple outcomes are identified that can be monitored as part of routine clinical practice. The tracking of outcome measures is used as a feedback mechanism for clinicians, supervisors, and administrators.

Fidelity Scale

Research indicates that the quality of implementation of the practice—adherence to principles of the model—strongly influences outcomes. The fidelity scale enables mental health program leaders to evaluate their program in comparison to the recommended principles.

Articles

Copies of general articles about evidence-based practices and implementation and an article describing the research evidence for this particular practice are included in the implementation resource kit.

Additional Implementation Materials

PowerPoint presentations are available to supplement the Assertive Community Treatment resource kit materials. Contact the West Institute at the New Hampshire-Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center (603-271-5747).

ACT | Previous | Next