The EPIS Framework
The CEBC has adopted the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework (Aarons, Hurlburt, & Horwitz, 2011, see below for link to article) for use in its technical assistance efforts. The EPIS framework was developed by CEBC-affiliated implementation scientists at the Child and Adolescent Services Research Center (CASRC) through funding from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and is based on existing research on implementation. It was developed specifically for use in child welfare and similar service sectors.
• EPIS Overview
• Aarons, G. A., Hurlburt, M., & Horwitz, S. M. (2011). Advancing a conceptual model of evidence-based practice implementation in public service sectors.
Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 38(1), 4-23.
o Article summary: Implementation science is a quickly growing discipline. Lessons learned from business and medical settings are being applied but it is
unclear how well they translate to settings with different historical origins and customs (e.g., public mental health, social service, alcohol/drug sectors).
This paper describes the multi-level, four phase EPIS (Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment) model of the implementation process, derived
from existing literature, and applies it to public sector services. The paper highlights features of the model likely to be particularly important in each
phase, while considering the outer and inner contexts of public sector service systems.
o The full article is available for download at http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10488-010-0327-7