An exploration of the factors that influence practitioners' decision-making in the context of delivering the Strengthening Families Programme

Abstract

Background: Evidence-based parenting programmes are widely recognised as one of the most effective ways to support parents and families. A large volume of scientific investigation supports the effectiveness of evidence-based programmes; however there is little available evidence on the implementation in ‘real-world’ practice contexts. The Strengthening Families Programme (SFP) is an evidence-based programme, utilised in the Irish context, albeit in a modified form.

Rationale: Practice response to the implementation of evidence-based programmes is relatively unknown. This research does not dispute the value of evidence-based programmes, but seeks to understand the factors that influence practitioners’ decision-making in their delivery of evidence-based programmes in the practice setting.

Method: The research methodology, specifically the use of reflective journaling to gather contextual information about programme implementation, provides an innovative way to examine programme implementation. Information from reflective journals informed the direction of interviews that were later completed with practitioners. Interview data was analysed using Charmaz (2014) guidelines for constructivist grounded theory.

Results: The evidence from this study shows that no completed sessions of the programme were delivered absolutely, as prescribed in the Strengthening Families Programme manuals. Various changes were identified in the delivery of all sessions of the programme. Five theoretical categories emerged from the analysis as significant influences on practitioners in their delivery of the programme. These include: • Readiness for the Programme; • Sufficient Cultural and Language Adaptation; • Interagency Model of Delivery; • The Prescribed Nature of the Programme; and • The Practitioner and their Experience of Delivering the Strengthening Families Programme.

Conclusion: This research highlights ‘what’s going on’ in the real-world delivery by practitioners of an evidence-based programme. This study provides a new way to examine the process of implementation of evidence-based programmes by practitioners. It demonstrates, using qualitative research methods, that important contextual information can be uncovered that further informs the reach, dissemination and maintenance issues associated with evidence-based programmes.