Steps toward a clinically relevant science of interventions in pediatric settings: Introduction to the special issue

Abstract

Objective: To describe methods and strategies to advance the science of interventions in pediatric psychology. Methods: We consider the advantages of various strategies to develop and extend the applications of intervention research in pediatric practice settings. Results: Strategies are needed to enhance application of empirically supported interventions to pediatric settings, including testing the generalizability of empirically supported interventions in clinical samples, developing interventions based on clinical experience and tested in controlled clinical trials, designing program evaluations in the context of practice settings, and conducting case studies and series. Critical next steps in intervention research include documenting the clinical significance of interventions, conducting multisite research concerning interventions, including interventions conducted in clinical settings, and implementing integrated clinical intervention and research. Training in empirically supported treatments and intervention research and developing policy related to intervention research would also promote a clinically relevant scientific agenda concerning intervention research with pediatric populations. Conclusions: Pediatric psychologists have the opportunity to develop a clinically relevant science of interventions in pediatric settings by using multiple methods and strategies.