Predicting Dissemination of a Disaster Mental Health "Train-the-Trainer" Program

¹ Dr Cross is associate professor, Dr Cerulli is associate professor, and Ms Richards is a research assistant in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC); Dr He is assistant professor of biostatistics, URMC. Mr Herrmann is senior advisor for public health preparedness at the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Washington, DC, and was an assistant professor at URMC at the time of the study.

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: Wendi_Cross{at}URMC.Rochester.edu.

Abstract

Objective: Disaster mental health (DMH) is vital to comprehensive disaster preparedness for communities. A train-the-trainer (TTT) model is frequently used in public health to disseminate knowledge and skills to communities, although few studies have examined its success. We report on the development and implementation of a DMH TTT program and examine variables that predict dissemination.

Methods: This secondary analysis examines 140 community-based mental health providers’ participation in a TTT DMH program in 2005–2006. Instructors’ dissemination of the training was followed for 12 months. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to predict dissemination of the training program.

Results: Sixty percent of the trainees in the DMH TTT program conducted training programs in the 12-month period following being trained. The likelihood of conducting training programs was predicted by a self-report measure of perceptions of transfer of training. The number of individuals subsequently trained (559) was predicted by prior DMH training and sex. No other variables predicted dissemination of DMH training.

Conclusions: The TTT model was moderately successful in disseminating DMH training. Intervention at the organizational and individual level, as well as training modifications, may increase cost-effective dissemination of DMH training.