Staff training to improve implementation and impact of behavioral rehabilitation programs

Staff who provide services for persons with severe mental illness often have pessimistic attitudes about adopting behavioral innovations for their programs. Thirty-five staff members in psychiatric residential programs participated in eight months of interactive staff training, an organizational development strategy that helps the rehabilitation team develop behavioral approaches to changing clients' behavior. After the training, staff members reported significant improvement in their attitudes about behavioral interventions and increased perceptions of collegial support. Direct care staff reported significantly less emotional exhaustion. Interactive staff training may facilitate implementation of behavioral strategies by improving attitudes toward these interventions.