The intersection of implementing evidence-based psychotherapy and practice-oriented research

Abstract

Residential and other intensive treatment programs for eating disorders (EDs) do not commonly utilize evidence-based interventions coordinated across multi-modal treatment elements. In addition, there is a pressing need to learn more about effective (and ineffective) evidence-based intervention implementation processes and outcomes in service delivery organizations. This ongoing diverse mental health care stakeholder practice-oriented research (POR) "case study" describes the implementation of evidence-based psychotherapy for severe EDs and co-occurring emotional disorders across a network of residential, day hospital, and intensive outpatient treatment programs. Based on stakeholder input, data collection has been embedded throughout the implementation process, spanning clinician-trainee attitudes, group facilitator adherence and competence, and patient outcomes. This paper traces the history of this implementation and POR effort across multiple phases, while integrating theory and research from implementation science, as well as routinely collected data from this effort. Finally, lessons from this ongoing case study may inform future efforts (both internal and external to this specific context) to implement evidence-based strategies in residential/ intensive outpatient settings.