The Sustained Effects of CBT Training on Therapist Competence and Patient Outcomes

Liness, Sheena; Beale, Sarah; Lea, Susan; Byrne, Suzanne; Hirsch, Colette R.; Clark, David M.

Abstract

The continued effectiveness of in-service psychological therapy training requires evaluation. This study assessed therapist competence and patient clinical outcome during cognitive behaviour therapy training and 12+ months post-training. Trainee competence was assessed using audio-recorded sessions rated on the Cognitive Therapy Scale Revised at the beginning (n = 33) and end of training (n = 45), and at least 12 months post-training (n = 45). Pre-to-posttreatment clinical outcome for trainees’ patients during the course (n = 360) and post-training (n = 360) was evaluated using standardised self-report measures. The relationship between therapist competence and patient outcomes was explored. Trainees achieved competence during training (100%, n = 45) and largely maintained competence post-training (84%, n = 38). Patients demonstrated pre-to-posttreatment effect sizes between 1.38 and 1.89 and reliable improvement exceeding 80% during and after training. Competence was not significantly associated with patient outcome. Trainees predominantly maintained competence and achieved good clinical outcomes post-training. Structured training and continued use of regular supervision possibly supported retention of competence.

Citation

Liness, S., Beale, S., Lea, S., Byrne, S., Hirsch, C. R., & Clark, D. M. (2019). The Sustained Effects of CBT Training on Therapist Competence and Patient Outcomes. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 43(3), 631-641. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-018-9987-5

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 11, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Dec 12, 2018
• Publication Date: Jun 15, 2019
• Deposit Date: Apr 4, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 4, 2019
• Journal: Cognitive Therapy and Research
• Print ISSN: 0147-5916
• Electronic ISSN: 1573-2819
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 43
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 631-641
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-018-9987-5
• Keywords: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT); IAPT; Follow-up; Competence; Patient outcomes; Supervision
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/1547528
• Publisher URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10608-018-9987-5