The relationship of counselor-level variables to intervention adoption.

One recent clinical trial in the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN) tested the effectiveness of a 12-step engagement protocol (Stimulant Abuser Groups to Engage in 12-Step (STAGE-12), protocol CTN-0031). In partnership with the STAGE-12 protocol, researchers assessed relationships between counselor-level variables and adoption of the STAGE-12 intervention in the post-study period. This presentation concerns findings from clinical staff surveys (N=118) completed in participating clinics, before the STAGE-12 trial was initiated. Surveys included measures of clinicians’ beliefs about 12-step groups and commitment to integrate STAGE-12 into treatment services. This clinician sample included 72% women, was 74% Caucasion, and 75% held bachelor degrees. Across all clinics combined, counselor belief in the value of 12-step intervention was high (mean=8.3, SD=1.5, on a scale from 1-10), suggesting that clinics participating in this study already had affinity toward 12-step practices. Similarly, intention to incorporate STAGE-12 into their practice was high (mean=4.02, SD=.60, on a scale from 1-5), even before the STAGE-12 study started. Counselor belief in the value of 12-step was highly correlated with intention to incorporate STAGE-12 into their practice.

Researchers are currently establishing whether the STAGE-12 intervention was (or was not) adopted into practice once the clinical trial ended, with the hypothesis that intention to adopt STAGE-12 before the study started may predict actual adoption once the study ended.

Related protocols: CTN-0031