Importance of congruence between communicating and executing implementation programmes: a qualitative study of focus...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Health Services Research
• Implementation Science

Background:

• The Ostrobothnia Depression Programme (ODP) aimed to implement motivational interviewing and behavioral activation in Finnish psychiatric teams.
• A simultaneous effectiveness study highlighted tensions and resistance to change within the program's hybrid design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To qualitatively investigate the tensions encountered during the ODP implementation.
• To explore how managerial and executive practices can ensure the success of hybrid design programs.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative case study approach was employed.
• Focus group interviews were conducted with management and program executives.
• Data analysis utilized the Normalization Process Theory.

Main Results:

• The ODP plan overlooked team leaders' influence on implementation climate and organizational strategies.
• A top-down design with limited stakeholder collaboration in the preparation phase was identified.
• Incongruence between communicated goals and actual actions by the project group led to tension and resistance.

Conclusions:

• Early, open collaboration with stakeholders is crucial for program success.
• Establishing shared understanding, goals, and means can reduce tension in hybrid programs.
• Managerial and executive congruence between communication and action is vital for program adoption.