Utilizing Dissemination Findings to Help Understand and Bridge the Research and Practice Gap in the Treatment of Substance Abuse Disorders in Hispanic Populations

This article focuses on the gap between research and practice in substance abuse treatment, identifies some of the key findings in the technology transfer literature, and discusses their relevance to the adoption of new technology among Hispanic serving agencies and counselors. In organizing the material we present information within the categories of: (1) evidence, (2) context, and (3) facilitation. When considering the "evidence" for empirically supported substance abuse treatments for Hispanics, there is great concern about the shortage of treatments that have been adequately tested with Hispanics. In this article, we analyze the strengths and weaknesses of strategies recommended to address this problem. In terms of the "context" in which evidence-based practices will be implemented, we consider counselor characteristics and organizational structures that may facilitate or hinder the adoption of these practices and discuss how these may impact Hispanic-serving agencies. Finally, the mechanisms necessary for "facilitation" of evidence-based practices in Hispanic-serving agencies are described. Given the dearth of dissemination research with Hispanics, as well as other minorities, each area described in this article presents unique challenges that can benefit from a field-wide discussion.