The impact of evidence-based practice implementation and fidelity monitoring on staff turnover: evidence for a protective effect

J Consult Clin Psychol. 2009 Apr;77(2):270-80. doi: 10.1037/a0013223.

Abstract

Staff retention is an ongoing challenge in mental health and community-based service organizations. Little is known about the impact of evidence-based practice implementation on the mental health and social service workforce. The present study examined the effect of evidence-based practice implementation and ongoing fidelity monitoring on staff retention in a children's services system. The study took place in the context of a statewide, regionally randomized effectiveness trial of an evidence-based intervention designed to reduce child neglect. In the study 21 teams consisting of 153 home-based service providers were followed over a 29-month period. Survival analyses revealed greater staff retention in the condition where the evidence-based practice was implemented along with ongoing fidelity monitoring presented to staff as supportive consultation. These results should help to allay concerns about staff retention when implementing evidence-based practices where there is good values-innovation fit and when fidelity monitoring is designed as an aid and support to service providers in providing a high standard of care for children and families.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Abuse / prevention & control*
  • Employment*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / methods*
  • Female
  • Home Care Services
  • Humans
  • Intention
  • Male
  • Personnel Turnover*
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Retention, Psychology