Hybrid Implementation Effectiveness Trial: Home-based Intensive Family Coaching to Improve Outcomes for Medicaid-enrolled Preschoolers

ABSTRACT

Despite the prevalence and persistence of behavioral disorders among young children and availability of evidence-based treatments, several barriers prevent families from accessing effective treatments in their communities. This study, which included a hybrid research model, explored the implementation of Intensive Family Coaching (IFC), an adaptation of one evidence-based practice, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). IFC was designed to improve access and reduce attrition by providing services in home and community settings through wraparound services. The findings suggest that although families who engaged in IFC saw significant reduction in child problem behavior, family attrition and staff turnover presented barriers to ongoing implementation.

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the contributions of Stephen J. Galambos, MS BSL, Megan Hoffman, LPC, Shari L. Hutchison, M.S., P.M.P, Irina Karpov, M.S., Priscilla Riley, NCC, LPC, and Marcie Walker, BS, each of whom assisted in the development, implementation, and evaluation of IFC. We also appreciate the time and effort in implementing and testing the program put forth by children, caregivers, provider agencies and counties.

Disclosure statement

The Quality Review Committee from Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, UPMC Insurance Services Division provided approval for this study. Consent was obtained for treatment. Assessments were part of routine service delivery and aggregated to evaluate program effectiveness.