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Using Community Partnerships to Better Understand the Barriers to Using an Evidence‐Based, Parent‐Mediated Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Medicaid System
Author(s) -
Pickard Katherine E.,
Kilgore Amanda N.,
Ingersoll Brooke R.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
american journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.113
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1573-2770
pISSN - 0091-0562
DOI - 10.1002/ajcp.12050
Subject(s) - medicaid , psychological intervention , autism spectrum disorder , intervention (counseling) , fidelity , focus group , alliance , psychology , health psychology , evidence based practice , autism , public health , service provider , medicine , clinical psychology , nursing , psychiatry , service (business) , health care , alternative medicine , economy , law , business , economic growth , pathology , engineering , marketing , political science , electrical engineering , economics
Service use disparities have been noted to impede under‐resourced families' ability to access high‐quality services for their child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These disparities are particularly relevant for parent‐mediated interventions and may suggest a lack of fit between these interventions and the needs of under‐resourced community settings. This study used Roger's Diffusion of Innovations theory to guide community partnerships aimed at understanding the perceived compatibility, complexity, and relative advantage of using an evidence‐based, parent‐mediated intervention (Project ImPACT) within a Medicaid system. Three focus groups were conducted with 16 Medicaid‐eligible parents, and three focus groups were conducted with 16 ASD providers operating within a Medicaid system. Across all groups, parents and providers reported general interest in using Project ImPACT. However, primary themes emerged regarding the need to (a) reduce the complexity of written materials; (b) allow for a more flexible program delivery; (c) ensure a strong parent–therapist alliance; (d) involve the extended family; and (e) help families practice the intervention within their preexisting routines. Results are discussed as they relate to the design and fit of evidence‐based, parent‐mediated interventions for under‐resourced community settings.