Behavioral alcohol treatment research advances: Barriers to utilization

Abstract

Treatment research in the alcoholism field has thus far had relatively little impact on public policy and professional practices. U.S. alcoholism treatment programming does not reflect advances in knowledge with regard to the effectiveness of specific approaches, treatment length and setting, or matching of clients with treatments. Four characteristics of decision-making are considered as possible causes: inertia, ignorance, selective inattention, and incentives. Four corresponding characteristics of the behavior of researchers are also discussed: failure to use effective attitude change procedures, failure to disseminate research findings, intolerance for disconfirming data, and failure to address the needs of decision-makers. Any program of research should include a specific plan to disseminate and to promote utilization of findings. Six strategies for increasing utilization are suggested: setting clear goals, choosing optimal dissemination routes, tailoring communications to the audience, providing implementation support, following up on initial communications, and teaching utilization skills. Research on the effectiveness of such utilization strategies is needed.