Evaluating the implementation of a novel approach to increasing access to evidence-based treatment for child anxiety difficulties through enhancing collaboration between the health and education systems

Anxiety problems are the most prevalent mental health difficulties in childhood and novel approaches to treatment delivery are needed to help address capacity issues in child and adolescent mental health services. Parent-led cognitive behavioural therapy (PL-CBT) delivered in face-to-face and online formats is an evidence-based treatment for child anxiety that can be successfully delivered by practitioners from a range of professional backgrounds. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of delivery of PL-CBT by school staff to assess implementation feasibility and identify factors impacting school-based delivery. Using a framework developed based on the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) model, a programme was implemented that trained and provided support for 107 school staff members from 78 primary schools to deliver PL-CBT over a 12-month period. This mixed methods study found implementation of the approach to be feasible when underpinned by an implementation framework and identified key barriers and facilitators to implementation.