UC San Diego

Objective

To characterize pre-implementation organizational factors associated with Access To Tailored Autism Integrated Care (ATTAIN), an integrated care model for children with autism and identified or suspected co-occurring mental health needs.

Methods

Pediatric primary care providers (n=36) completed surveys as part of a pilot study testing ATTAIN feasibility. Measures assessed: background characteristics; implementation climate; organizational readiness; evidence-based practice (EBP) attitudes; knowledge, confidence and comfort caring for children with autism.

Results

Compared to providers from a network of primary care practices and an integrated healthcare system, providers from a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) reported less positive perceptions of climate supportive of EBP implementation and, specifically, selection for openness and rewards for EBPs. Implementation climate was associated with autism knowledge, comfort with mental health referral and follow up, and organizational change efficacy.

Conclusions

Findings advance understanding of pre-implementation organizational context factors important to assess for EBP implementation in diverse pediatric care settings.