| AND THE SURVEY SAYS----BSFT IS A WINNER! |
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We were not surprised! FTTIM recently conducted a survey of BSFT programs across the country. 97.6% of the respondents indicated that they were either very satisfied or satisfied with the BSFT model. Based on the constant verbal comments and accolades we receive, that positive result was expected. No one rated their satisfaction as very dissatisfied. The population surveyed consisted of: Program Directors (14.6% of the surveyed population), BSFT Certified Supervisors (12.2%), both active and inactive BSFT therapists (36.6% and 12.2% respectively), and then-current BSFT Trainees (24.4%).
In contrast, only 80.5% were equally satisfied with the organizational implementation of the model. Although this figure is still highly positive, it does again bring to our attention the need to work closely at the organizational level to ensure successful implementation of an evidence based practice.
To understand the degree of implementation success at the organizational level, we listed 13 of the most critical sustainability drivers, and asked respondents: "HOW WELL DO YOU THINK EACH OF THE FOLLOWING 'SUSTAINABILITY DRIVERS' HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED IN YOUR ORGANIZATION? "" Among those drivers receiving the highest (very well) scores were:
Conversely, the drivers with the lowest scores were:
Clearly, respondents realize that having an in-house therapist trained as a BSFT Supervisor would add great value and sustainability to their BSFT program. Indeed, the latest National research project conducted in 2010 by the University of Kansas (KU), School of Social Welfare, Office of Mental Health Research & Training regarding the importance of such an in-house Supervisor validates their value-add.
The University of Kansas report, titled The Experts Rate Supervisory Behaviors That Impact the Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices 1, states that "One of the key elements found in the EBP [evidence based practice] literature for enhancing skill development has been when a supervisor who is proficient in the EBP can provide staff with continuous practice of the skill in vivo through observation, modeling, and ongoing feedback on EBP skills." Within that project, there was "substantial agreement among experts as to the importance of the supervisory behaviors and the four components of supervisory practice that facilitate the implementation of evidence-based practices." Those components are: "facilitating team meetings, building skills, quality improvement activities, and monitoring and using outcomes."
At FTTIM we are proud to be the only organization offering an ongoing BSFT Certified Supervisor-level training program.
The respondents to our BSFT survey also demonstrated concern over obtaining and managing the data necessary to maintain the program in harmony with the ever changing needs of those they serve.
"Skilled practitioners, funding streams, and program requirements change, and champions move on to other causes. Through it all the implementation site leaders and staff, together with the community, must be aware of the shifting ecology of influence factors and adjust without losing the functional components of the evidence-based program or dying due to a lack of essential financial and political support. The goal during this stage is the long-term survival and continued effectiveness of the implementation site in the context of a changing world." 2
At FTTIM we work with the agencies to produce and develop a full systematic context that supports the sustainability of a BSFT program, from the first Organizational Consultation Visit that precedes the training workshops, through the post-certification Adherence Program that follows certification.
And now, based on the survey results, we have added another activity to our training/implementation program that further supports the longevity of the BSFT program, a longevity which is directly related to the fidelity with which the therapists practice the model. This program is called the Organizational Implementation Fidelity Quality Assurance (QA). We recommend this be a biannual QA program, which we conduct onsite.
These QA consultations address the broad issues of staffing, data collection, outcome measures, as well as adherence problems among clinicians. FTTIM consults and coaches the agency in maintaining fidelity to the program so that the proven positive outcomes BSFT has shown throughout three decades are achieved and sustained.
That mission is what our Institute is all about.
1 Linda Carlson, L., Rapp C. A., Eichler, M. S. (2010). The Experts Rate: Supervisory Behaviors That Impact the Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices. (Springer Science+Business Media, LLC) 2 Fixsen, D. L., Naoom, S. F., Blase, K. A., Friedman, R. M. & Wallace, F. (2005). Implementation Research: A Synthesis of the Literature. Tampa, FL: University of South Florida, Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, The National Implementation Research Network (FMHI Publication #231). |
Note: For further details of the results of our survey, conducted in December, 2010, please email your request along with your name, your title and your agency name to
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