Online Versus Face-to-Face Training of Critical Time Intervention: A Matching Cluster Randomized Trial

ABSTRACT

This study examined the effectiveness of online education to providers who serve people experiencing homelessness, comparing online and face-to-face training of Critical Time Intervention (CTI), an evidence-based case management model. The authors recruited 184 staff from nineteen homeless service agencies to participate in one of two training conditions: (a) Online Training + Community of Practice or (b) Face-to-Face Training + Telephone Consultation. Each group received twenty-four hours of instruction and support. Through baseline, follow-up, and nine-month posttraining surveys, the authors examined satisfaction, knowledge gains, knowledge retention, and readiness to implement CTI. Although satisfaction rates were higher among participants in the face-to-face group, the two training conditions produced comparable pre/postknowledge gains. Furthermore, both groups showed increased knowledge retention scores at nine-month follow-up, with the online group scoring higher than the face-to-face group.

Acknowledgments

We thank our project officer, Dr. Adam Haim, for his guidance and support throughout this project. Melissa Martin Ough at the Center for Social Innovation was project manager on the study, and her contributions were essential to its success. We also thank Sarah Conover at Hunter College Silberman School of Social Work and our colleagues Lauren Pareti and Paul Howard from the Center for Urban Community Services at the time of the study. Thanks also to Dr. Mary Huber and David Batuner for their assistance with critical aspects of data collection and analysis. We are grateful to Dr. Ellen L. Bassuk and Molly Richard for their invaluable assistance in preparing this manuscript. Finally, we thank the staff and clients of the sites participating in the study for their dedication, openness, and insight.

Funding

This study was funded through a Small Business Innovation Research Contract from the National Institute of Mental Health (Contract HHS-N-271-2010-00032C) with the Center for Social Innovation.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded through a Small Business Innovation Research Contract from the National Institute of Mental Health (Contract HHS-N-271-2010-00032C) with the Center for Social Innovation.