Hybrid effectiveness-implementation studies in mental health: three practical examples

Traditional research in mental health often involves a delay between the research advancements and their practical application, making it difficult to access evidence-based psychological practices (EBPP). Hybrid studies bridge the gap between mental health research and practice by integrating effectiveness and implementation research. This paper illustrates lessons learned from three hybrid designs promoting EBPP:The choice of hybrid study was influenced by contextual demands and available resources, with urgency sometimes leading to the selection of Hybrid type III studies. Hybrid designs enrich outcomes by considering various agents and contextual factors, with frameworks aiding in the understanding of complex processes and promoting equity.Hybrid studies offer flexible designs to address multiple research questions, facilitating early barrier detection and implementation success. Challenges such as funding disparities and recruitment difficulties persist. REGISTRATION: Hybrid type I: NCT06230237; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06230237 (registration date: 2024, January 18)Hybrid type II: NCT05294614; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05294614 (registration date: 2022, March 23)Hybrid type III: NCT06297460; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06297460 (registration date: 2024, March 6). SPANISH ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A570.