RESUMEN
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based intervention to treat Post-traumatic Stress Disorder among youth ages 3-18 years. In this pilot study, 31 clinicians in 13 urban public schools received TF-CBT training to improve access to a high-quality trauma treatment for youth in need. A mixed methods design was used to assess implementation barriers, facilitators and outcomes to examine initial feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of TF-CBT delivered in school settings. Although 70% of clinicians reported confidence in the evidence-base of TF-CBT and its potential to support their students who have a very high prevalence of lifetime trauma exposure, implementation practice outcomes suggest a wide range of TF-CBT use (Range = 0 to 11 students enrolled per clinician, Mean = 1.4 students) with 23 clinicians implementing the TF-CBT model with at least one case. Results point to the potential value of training school mental health clinicians in TF-CBT based on its compatibility with student needs. Yet, by connecting focus group results to top-rated barriers and facilitators, we identify several adjustments that should be made to improve intervention-setting fit in future studies. Specifically, school setting-specific intervention adaptations, school-tailored implementation support and thoughtful consideration of school-based clinicians' roles and responsibilities are needed to enhance future implementation success.
RESUMEN
Study Design Narrative review of the literature. Objectives Determine if the term cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is useful in clinical care and research. What literature supports these variables being relevant to the experience of chronic pain? What effects of CBT in treating these factors have been documented? What methods and platforms are available to administer CBT? Methods Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a complex neurologic disorder with many components. CBT refers to a broad family of therapies that address both maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. There are several ways to deliver it. CLBP was broken into five categories that affect the perception of pain, and the literature was reviewed to see the effects of CBT on these variables. Results The term cognitive behavioral therapy has little use in future research because it covers such a wide range of therapies. CBT should always be defined by the problem it is intended to solve. The format and method of delivery should be defined because they have implications for outcomes. They are readily available even at the primary care level. The effectiveness of CBT is unquestioned regarding its effectiveness in treating each of the variables that affect CLBP. It is unclear why it is not more widely implemented. Conclusions CBT represents a family of therapies that are effective for a wide range of problems, many of which coexist with and influence CLBP. Each of the variables can be improved with focused CBT. Early, widespread adoption of CBT in treating and preventing CLBP is recommended. Future research and clinical care should focus on strategies to operationalize these well-documented treatments utilizing a public health approach.