Developing and Examining a Coordinated Knowledge System for Improving the Use of Research Evidence in Clinical Decisions around Cultural Adaptation

Most evidence-based treatments fail to reflect the values and experiences of Latine youth, leaving them at greater risk of receiving care that is ineffective and/or culturally insensitive. Although there is a foundational and growing body of research on culturally adapted treatments for Latine youth, this evidence is not organized in a way that facilitates its application in clinical practice. This study will build on prior Foundation-supported work to develop a coordinated knowledge system (CKS) of tools, routines, and packaged research to improve the frequency and quality of research use in clinical decisions about whether, when, and how to adapt treatment for Latine youth ages 7-15. Park and colleagues will interview supervisors, clinicians, and Latine youth to identify additional knowledge that should be incorporated into the CKS. They will refine and examine the usability of tools like decision flowcharts and worksheets that can aid supervisors and clinicians in working with Latine youth. The team will also examine how supervisors and clinicians use the CKS in working with Latine youth. Findings will have direct implications for practice and will lay the groundwork for a study to test the effectiveness of the adapted CKS in improving mental health outcomes for Latine youth.