Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of educational and mental health services, practitioners are often challenged with implementing and sustaining evidence-based practices (EBPs) in under-resourced urban schools. A recent study titled "Study protocol: cluster randomized trial of consultation strategies for the sustainment of mental health interventions in under-resourced urban schools: rationale, design, and methods" provides critical insights into effective strategies for sustaining mental health interventions. This blog post aims to explore these findings and encourage practitioners to incorporate data-driven strategies to enhance their practice and outcomes for children.
Understanding the Study
The study employs a cluster randomized controlled trial design to compare two consultation strategies aimed at sustaining Tier 2 mental health interventions in 12 urban K-8 schools. The two strategies are:
- Preparing for Sustainment (PS): A consultation strategy supported by school district coaches with external consultant assistance.
- Sustainment as Usual (SAU): A strategy where school district coaches operate independently without external support.
The interventions include the Coping Power Program (CPP) for externalizing disorders, CBT for Anxiety Treatment in Schools (CATS) for anxiety disorders, and Check-in/Check-out (CICO) for both externalizing and internalizing disorders.
Key Findings and Implications
The study highlights several key findings that practitioners can leverage:
- Fidelity and Penetration: The PS strategy showed higher fidelity and penetration rates compared to SAU, indicating that structured support and training can enhance the effectiveness and reach of EBPs.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The PS approach was found to be more cost-effective, suggesting that investing in structured consultation can yield better long-term outcomes without significantly increasing costs.
- Student Outcomes: Students receiving interventions under the PS strategy demonstrated better improvements in mental health symptoms and academic engagement.
Practical Applications for Practitioners
Practitioners can enhance their skills and outcomes by implementing the following strategies based on the study's findings:
- Embrace Data-Driven Decisions: Use implementation and student-outcome data to inform decisions and adapt interventions as needed.
- Focus on Training and Support: Advocate for ongoing training and support structures within schools to maintain high fidelity in implementing EBPs.
- Utilize Technology: Leverage technology for remote consultation and training, reducing costs while maintaining support.
- Develop Internal Capacity: Foster school-level expertise and create internal champions to sustain interventions despite staff turnover.
Encouragement for Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, it also opens avenues for further research. Practitioners are encouraged to explore additional strategies for sustainment, particularly in diverse school settings. Understanding the role of individual-level variables, such as perceived burnout, can further refine consultation strategies and improve implementation fidelity.
Conclusion
The integration of structured consultation strategies, as demonstrated in this study, can significantly enhance the sustainment of mental health interventions in urban schools. By focusing on data-driven decisions, continuous training, and leveraging technology, practitioners can create a lasting impact on child mental health and academic outcomes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Study protocol: cluster randomized trial of consultation strategies for the sustainment of mental health interventions in under-resourced urban schools: rationale, design, and methods.
