Linda Carlson

Barriers to Evidence-Based Practice Implementation: Results of a Qualitative Study

This study reports on a qualitative study of barriers to EBP implementation in one state that sought to implement supported employment and integrated dual diagnosis treatment. The study found that the most significant obstacles emanated from the behavior of supervisors, front-line staff and other professionals in the agency. A lack of synergy profoundly impeded implementation.

Hiring consumer-providers : Barriers and alternative solutions

The hiring of consumers as providers of mental health services has steadily increased over the last decade. This article, based on the literature and two round table discussions, explores three prevalent barriers (i.e., dual relationships, role conflict, and confidentiality) and proposes alternative solutions to each.

Evidence-based Practice Implementation Strategies: Results of a Qualitative Study

This study reports on the strategies used to implement the evidence-based practices of supported employment and integrated dual diagnosis treatment. Using qualitative research methods, the study uncovered eight strategies that contributed to successful implementation in six sites.

Organizational factors differentiating high performing from low performing supported employment programs.

This study sought to uncover the factors that contributed to differences in competitive employment rates for adults with severe mental illness between high and low performing programs. The five programs with the highest competitive employment rates were compared to the four lowest performing programs. Using qualitative methods, researchers used site visits and in-depth interviews with program directors and supervisors, consumers, and front line staff. Using a combination of constant comparative methods and content analysis, the study found notable and consistent differences between the two groups in administrative practices and the roles of ease managers and therapists. The role of administration has been largely overlooked in the supported work literature yet it may be the administrators efforts to shape an organizational culture that is the driving force behind the implementation of evidence-based structures and practices.

Evaluation of Conceptual Selling as a job development planning process.

Job development is integral to evidence-based supported employment practice. This paper reviews the limited research on job development and critically examines various definitions of job development. The authors describe Conceptual Selling, an existing method currently used in sales that can be adopted for use in job development. An exploratory evaluation of Conceptual Selling as a method for job development is described and implications discussed.

The experts rate: supervisory behaviors that impact the implementation of evidence-based practices.

The purpose of this study was to identify the critical behaviors of supervisors for the successful implementation of evidence-based practice in adult mental health. Experts who work with supervisors to support implementation in three evidence-based practices were surveyed. The three evidence-based practices included Assertive Community Treatment, Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment, and Supported Employment. There was substantial agreement among experts as to the importance of supervisory behaviors in the areas of facilitating team meetings, building and enhancing staff skills, monitoring and using outcomes, and continuous quality improvement activities.

Consumer Preference and Individualized Job Search

This article describes the obstacles and strategies used to increase attention to consumer preferences and individualized job search. This is a case study of one supported employment (SE) program involved in the National Evidence-based Practice Project. The centerpiece strategy was the development and implementation of systematic job development methods.