Two studies of proximal outcomes and implementation quality of universal preventive interventions in a community–university collaboration context

Here we present the results from two longitudinal studies of competency‐training interventions that entailed community–university collaboration intended to enhance implementation quality. In Study 1, 22 rural schools were randomly assigned to a family‐focused intervention or a minimal contact control group. In Study 2, 36 rural schools were randomly assigned to a family‐focused preventive intervention combined with a school‐based intervention, the school‐based intervention alone, or a minimal contact control group. In both studies, observers rated adherence to intervention protocols. Results showed that, on average, high levels of observer‐rated adherence were attained in both studies. Analyses of the relationship between observer‐rated adherence scores and proximal outcomes showed limited evidence of poorer outcomes associated with lower‐adherence groups. Overall, findings highlight the benefits of community–university collaboration intended to facilitate high levels of intervention adherence. The need for a framework guiding a collaborative implementation research agenda is discussed.