Aim: The aim of the study is to investigate and explain factors contributing to the result of implementing Individual Placement and Support (IPS) in Swedish context.
Background: The Swedish mental health service system has, since the psychiatry reform of 1995, been characterized by the continuous development of diverse psychosocial interventions, where the trend has shifted from locally developed solutions to internationally tested programs and methods. The current research project is studying 16 Swedish municipalities’ implementation of methods recommended in the national guidelines for severe mental illness, published by the National Board of Health and Welfare 2011. The presented study focuses on 3 different municipalities’ implementation of Individual Placement and Support (IPS).
Methods: Semi-structured interviews (40 tot.) were conducted at baseline (when the projects was started) and 12 months after. Project leaders, staff, managers and partners of collaboration were interviewed regarding the implementation processes. After 12 months was also the program fidelity measured by using fidelity scales. A content analysis approach has been used in the data analysis.
Results/conclusion: The preliminary results suggest that involved authorities’ will and ability of collaboration had great impact on the possibilities for good implementation. Other important factors were seen on an organizational level, such as the projects’ legitimacy in the organization and possible competition or support from other providers of vocational support. Differences in how the teams were organized and their view on IPS also had effect on the implementation processes.