The influence of evidence-based program registry websites for dissemination of evidence-based interventions in behavioral healthcare.

PURPOSE: Evidence-based program registries (EBPRs) are web-based databases of evaluation studies that summarize the available evidence for the effectiveness of behavioral healthcare programs, including programs addressing substance misuse, mental health, child welfare, or offender rehabilitation. The study determined the extent to which visitors to selected EBPRs accomplished the objectives of their visits and how often those visits resulted in the adoption of new or improved evidence-based interventions (EBIs). METHOD: A follow-up telephone survey was conducted with 216 visitors to a convenience sample of six EBPRs an average of six months after the visitors' incident visit to the EBPR. RESULTS: The most frequent objective was to identify evidence-based programs/services, curricula or assessments, followed by finding resources to implement or improve the preceding and writing a grant proposal including to comply with funding requirements; 71% of such objectives were achieved across the full set of objectives. Implementation of an EBI was completely achieved for 31% of relevant objectives and some progress on EBI implementation occurred for 19% of relevant objectives. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to document the usage of EBPRs as a modality to increase the utilization of EBIs in the actual practice of behavioral healthcare. The results support the continued use of web-based EBPRs for disseminating information on evidence-based interventions for behavioral healthcare.

Visitors' Assessment and Utilization of Evidence-Based Program Resources (EBPR) Websites.

Background: Evidence-based program resources (EBPR) websites for behavioral health are a potentially useful tool to assist decision-makers and practitioners in deciding which behavioral health interventions to implement. EBPR websites apply rigorous research standards to assess the effectiveness of behavioral healthcare programs, models, and clinical practices. Method: Visitors to a convenience sample of six EBPR websites (N=369, excluding students) were recruited for telephone interviews primarily by means of a pop-up invitation on the sites. Results: The visitors view the EBPR sites as important sources of information to support the identification and adoption of evidence-based programs/practices (EBPs) in behavioral healthcare, which aligns with the primary mission of EBPRs. For repeat visitors, there was some indication that the information obtained helped effect certain changes in their agencies' programs and policies. However, increased or improved guidance on EBP implementation was also requested. Conclusion: EBPR websites should be better publicized to the behavioral healthcare field.