Leadership perspectives on key elements influencing implementing a family-focused intervention in mental health services

<p dir="ltr">Abstract: Introduction Different stakeholder's perspectives are needed to understand challenges and opportunities in implementing and sustaining evidence-based practices (EBP) in real-world settings. </p><p dir="ltr">Aim/Question: To identify leadership perspectives on key elements influencing the process of implementation of Let's Talk about Children (Let's Talk), a family-focused practice for practitioners working with parents diagnosed with a mental illness. </p><p dir="ltr">Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 service managers and implementation leads, to establish their views on key elements influencing implementation of Let's Talk during a randomized controlled trial. A thematic analysis applied both inductive and deductive approaches, using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). </p><p dir="ltr">Results: Impacts to effective translation to practice were grouped into three broad themes with eight subthemes: inner and outer setting impacting organization, leadership affecting readiness and parent and practitioner readiness. </p><p dir="ltr">Discussion: The findings suggest that specific roles for leadership are vital to implementation within an environment of constant change, and more attention is needed to understand the dynamics of parent and practitioner readiness for delivering Let's Talk. </p><p dir="ltr">Implications for practice: Different leadership roles need to be engaged to sustain Let's Talk in changing real-world environments. The dynamic processes between parent and practitioner are suggested to influence readiness and need further research.</p>