The Impact of Education on a Mental Health Provider’s Willingness to Adopt Innovation in the Diagnostic Process

In today’s healthcare environment, there is ample evidence to support early identification of disease and implementation of effective treatment to improve patient outcomes. The objectives of this clinical intervention were twofold; the implementation of an innovative change within an organization, allowing for systematic screening through incorporation of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), and evaluation of mental health provider’s willingness to incorporate practice change.

A pre- and post-quasi-experimental design evaluated the attitude of providers regarding practice change using the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale and the utilization of the MDQ following educational intervention. Parametric testing was used to explore the relationship between education specific to practice change and the provider's attitude through the use of the paired t test. The Chi-square test evaluated the use of the MDQ by clinic healthcare providers in relation to an innovative practice change.

Results of this study illustrate enhanced provider willingness to adopt innovation and increased MDQ use following the intervention. Ensuring provider access to screening tools and education during the process of practice change provides a strategy for early intervention enhanced willingness to support practice evolution.