Innovation and implementation in mental health services for homeless adults: a case study

Area of Science:

• Social Work
• Public Health
• Mental Health Services Research

Background:

• Implementing evidence-based practices (EBPs) requires understanding contextual factors.
• The "housing first" model offers a promising approach for homeless individuals with serious mental illness.
• Inter-agency collaboration and practice uniqueness can influence EBP adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify conditions supporting the implementation of EBPs.
• To examine the implementation of a
• housing first
• practice in a new county.
• To explore actor and observer experiences regarding implementation challenges.

Main Methods:

• A constructivist methodology was employed.
• Qualitative data were collected through eliciting narratives from key actors and observers.
• A case study approach examined an inter-county agency implementation.

Main Results:

• Three core issues emerged: mode of presentation, use of an outside agency, and questioned practice uniqueness.
• Participants' interpretations were dominated by perceived barriers.
• Researcher-observed facilitators were often overlooked by participants.

Conclusions:

• Implementation success depends on addressing perceptions of the presenting agency and practice.
• Overcoming perceived barriers is crucial for adopting innovative practices like "housing first".
• Further research should explore strategies to highlight facilitators during EBP implementation.