Perceptions of facilitators, barriers and solutions when preparing to implement a home visiting program in Sweden: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundAlthough there is growing awareness that early childhood development programs are important for a sustainable society, there is a knowledge gap about how to implement such programs. Successful implementation requires attention to implementation drivers (competency, organization, and leader...

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Main Authors: Julie S. Lundgren, Åsa Nilses, Ebba-Lisa Eckerdal, Susanne Bernhardsson
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2024-03-01
Series:Frontiers in Health Services
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frhs.2024.1335559/full
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author Julie S. Lundgren
Åsa Nilses
Ebba-Lisa Eckerdal
Susanne Bernhardsson
Susanne Bernhardsson
author_facet Julie S. Lundgren
Åsa Nilses
Ebba-Lisa Eckerdal
Susanne Bernhardsson
Susanne Bernhardsson
author_sort Julie S. Lundgren
collection DOAJ
description BackgroundAlthough there is growing awareness that early childhood development programs are important for a sustainable society, there is a knowledge gap about how to implement such programs. Successful implementation requires attention to implementation drivers (competency, organization, and leadership) during all phases of the implementation. The purpose of this study was to describe cross-sectoral operational workgroups’ perceptions of facilitators, barriers and solutions related to implementation drivers in the preparationphase of implementing an evidence-based early childhood home visiting program.MethodsQuantitative and qualitative data were collected from twenty-four participants, divided into 5 groups, during implementation planning workshops. The workshops were guided by a structured method informed by the principles of Motivational Interviewing and within a framework of implementation drivers. Groups sorted cards with statements representing implementation drivers according to perceptions of facilitators and barriers, and percentages were calculated for each type of implementation determinant, for each type of driver. The groups discussed their card sorting and wrote action plans to address barriers, yielding documentation that was analyzed using deductive qualitative content analysis.ResultsA mixed-methods analysis resulted identification of facilitators, barriers, unknowns and solutions in two to three subcategories under each main category of implementation driver. A competent and confident workforce, and enthusiasm and commitment were key facilitators. Key barriers were unclear roles and responsibilities, and insufficient articulation of local vision and goals. Many factors were described as yet unknown. Specific solutions were generated to support the implementation.ConclusionsOur study furthers the scientific understanding of how to take evidence-based early childhood programs from research to practice within an implementation drivers framework. Facilitators, barriers and solutions in key areas during the preparation phase were identified with the help of a novel tool. The results provide useful knowledge for decision makers and organizations preparing similar initiatives in communities striving to attain sustainable development goals.
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spelling doaj.art-7186ef9627264439bf481dbe71c8e23f2024-03-18T04:47:54ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Health Services2813-01462024-03-01410.3389/frhs.2024.13355591335559Perceptions of facilitators, barriers and solutions when preparing to implement a home visiting program in Sweden: a mixed-methods studyJulie S. Lundgren0Åsa Nilses1Ebba-Lisa Eckerdal2Susanne Bernhardsson3Susanne Bernhardsson4Region Västra Götaland, Center for Progress in Children’s Mental Health, Child and Youth Health Specialty Services, Regional Healthcare, Gothenburg, SwedenRegion Västra Götaland, Center for Progress in Children’s Mental Health, Child and Youth Health Specialty Services, Regional Healthcare, Gothenburg, SwedenRegion Västra Götaland, Center for Progress in Children’s Mental Health, Child and Youth Health Specialty Services, Regional Healthcare, Gothenburg, SwedenRegion Västra Götaland, Research, Education, Development and Innovation Primary Health Care, Vänersborg, SwedenDepartment of Health and Rehabilitation, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, SwedenBackgroundAlthough there is growing awareness that early childhood development programs are important for a sustainable society, there is a knowledge gap about how to implement such programs. Successful implementation requires attention to implementation drivers (competency, organization, and leadership) during all phases of the implementation. The purpose of this study was to describe cross-sectoral operational workgroups’ perceptions of facilitators, barriers and solutions related to implementation drivers in the preparationphase of implementing an evidence-based early childhood home visiting program.MethodsQuantitative and qualitative data were collected from twenty-four participants, divided into 5 groups, during implementation planning workshops. The workshops were guided by a structured method informed by the principles of Motivational Interviewing and within a framework of implementation drivers. Groups sorted cards with statements representing implementation drivers according to perceptions of facilitators and barriers, and percentages were calculated for each type of implementation determinant, for each type of driver. The groups discussed their card sorting and wrote action plans to address barriers, yielding documentation that was analyzed using deductive qualitative content analysis.ResultsA mixed-methods analysis resulted identification of facilitators, barriers, unknowns and solutions in two to three subcategories under each main category of implementation driver. A competent and confident workforce, and enthusiasm and commitment were key facilitators. Key barriers were unclear roles and responsibilities, and insufficient articulation of local vision and goals. Many factors were described as yet unknown. Specific solutions were generated to support the implementation.ConclusionsOur study furthers the scientific understanding of how to take evidence-based early childhood programs from research to practice within an implementation drivers framework. Facilitators, barriers and solutions in key areas during the preparation phase were identified with the help of a novel tool. The results provide useful knowledge for decision makers and organizations preparing similar initiatives in communities striving to attain sustainable development goals.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frhs.2024.1335559/fullimplementation scienceextended home visitsparentingchild health servicessustainable developmentsocial work
spellingShingle Julie S. Lundgren
Åsa Nilses
Ebba-Lisa Eckerdal
Susanne Bernhardsson
Susanne Bernhardsson
Perceptions of facilitators, barriers and solutions when preparing to implement a home visiting program in Sweden: a mixed-methods study
Frontiers in Health Services
implementation science
extended home visits
parenting
child health services
sustainable development
social work
title Perceptions of facilitators, barriers and solutions when preparing to implement a home visiting program in Sweden: a mixed-methods study
title_full Perceptions of facilitators, barriers and solutions when preparing to implement a home visiting program in Sweden: a mixed-methods study
title_fullStr Perceptions of facilitators, barriers and solutions when preparing to implement a home visiting program in Sweden: a mixed-methods study
title_full_unstemmed Perceptions of facilitators, barriers and solutions when preparing to implement a home visiting program in Sweden: a mixed-methods study
title_short Perceptions of facilitators, barriers and solutions when preparing to implement a home visiting program in Sweden: a mixed-methods study
title_sort perceptions of facilitators barriers and solutions when preparing to implement a home visiting program in sweden a mixed methods study
topic implementation science
extended home visits
parenting
child health services
sustainable development
social work
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frhs.2024.1335559/full
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