Sustaining Use of an Evidence-Based Parenting Intervention: Practitioner Perspectives

Abstract

Adopting a systems-contextual perspective on implementation of evidence-based parenting programs highlights the wide variety of factors that influence program use in real-world settings. These factors are often identified through quantitative survey methods of facilitators and barriers to program use. What is more difficult to capture is the history of how program use unfolds over time and what variables influence the course of implementation in natural settings. In order to capture this perspective, a qualitative study was conducted with 69 community-based service providers who had been trained previously in an evidence-based parenting intervention (Triple P-Positive Parenting Program) but who were not receiving external implementation support outside of access to program materials for parents. Face to face interviews were conducted to capture the course of provider interaction with and use of the intervention from initial training to the time of the interview 2–3 years later. The qualitative analysis uncovered a variety of themes relevant to understanding the complex interplay of factors that impact program use. These themes provide a rich source of data for future directions in implementation research.