Abstract
A 10-session behavioral management course for self-management of auditory hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia has demonstrated positive outcomes. This project disseminated the course and evaluated both the implementation process and patient benefits of attending the course. The course was taught using teleconferencing, electronic media and 26 monthly conference calls to 6 advanced practice nurses (APNs) at 6 sites with 32 patients within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). All of the APNs reported course helpfulness, improved communication about voices, and improved harm assessment. Of the patients, 96% found the course helpful; 66% no longer heard voices to harm self or others; 60% had improved intensity scores. The project demonstrated successful implementation and practice integration with APNs’ activities corresponding to Rogers’ Stages of Innovation Adoption. Facilitators and barriers to implementation are described.