Developing Evidence-Based Practices: Lessons Learned from Implementing a Collaborative, Cross-Agency Substance Use Family Intervention

Me and my family is a knowledge-based motivational program that includes eight weekly therapeutic sessions provided via the social services for families in which parent(s) have substance use problems (SUP).PurposeThe aim of this study was to report experiences gained while conducting the research project, in which social workers' active participation was a core feature.Materials and methodGuided by the implementation framework AIF (Active Implementation Framework) data were collected from multiple sources, such as minutes from guidance sessions, meetings with managers, booster days, and transcriptions of focus group interviews with social workers.ResultsFindings indicate that social workers need to receive training in research activities before program start and to have time for pre- and post-therapeutic session reflections To deliver and maintain an intervention like Me & my Family require cross-sectional cooperation and staff having academic degrees to develop reflections on program delivery. Research design experiences indicate that RCT methods proved difficult to accomplish. An additional finding was organizational structures in silos as a barrier to recruiting families.ConclusionInvolving social workers in doing research on practices concern needs for managerial support regarding scheduling, routines and interest in evidence-based practice, well-educated social workers, and special attention to research design in relation to clients' needs. Conclusions drawn from using the AIF framework include the need for continuous coaching and consultations as well as feed-back on results.