The dissemination and implementation of trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy for children and adolescents in seven European countries

Elisa Pfeiffer, Johanna Unterhitzenberger*, Pia Enderby, Aino Juusola, Zlatina Kostova, Ramon J.L. Lindauer, Sanna Kaija Nuotio, Poa Samuelberg, Tine K. Jensen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Background: There is broad scientific evidence for the effectiveness of individual trauma-focused evidence-based treatments (EBTs) such as “trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy” (TF-CBT) for children and adolescents with posttraumatic stress symptoms. However, there is a significant research-to-practice gap resulting in traumatized children in high-income countries in Europe having only very limited access to these treatments. The aim of this study was, therefore, to identify common barriers and successful dissemination and implementation (D&I) strategies of evidence-based trauma-focused treatments (in particular TF-CBT) in seven European countries. Methods: For this study, we chose a mixed-method approach: an online survey among certified European TF-CBT trainers (N = 22) and the collection of country-based narratives from TF-CBT experts in different European countries (Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden). Results: Common modifiable barriers to the implementation of TF-CBT were identified on different levels (e.g. government or treatment level), and successful D&I strategies were highlighted across all countries, such as translations of materials. Additionally, the experts from the country narratives put together a broad overview of TF-CBT research in Europe. Conclusions: The results of this study revealed that especially learning collaborations and the development of joint European efforts in funding and researching D&I strategies are crucial for future implementation of trauma-focused EBTs in Europe.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1202
JournalBMC Health Services Research
Volume24
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2024
MoE publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Keywords

  • Children and adolescents
  • Dissemination
  • Europe
  • Implementation
  • TF-CBT

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