En studie av implementeringen av systematisk helsefremmende og forebyggende psykisk helsearbeid i videregående skole - helsesøsters erfaringer

Abstract

Objectives and intentions of the study: The aim of the study is to examine public health nurses’ experiences with the implementation of health promotion and preventive mental health work (MEST) in upper secondary schools. More specifically, barriers and facilitators for implementation have been considered, as well as strategies that are considered suitable to focus on. Method: Six puclic health nurses, have shared their experiences from the implementation of MEST through individual interviews. Key findings: Public health nurses have a mandate to conduct health-promoting work at the system level at schools, but whether this is possible depends on many factors. Among other things, it places great demands on continuity, proactive work, establishing good relationships with several management levels, dialogues with students, and let alone the opportunity to create a network to collaborate on the implementation. If attaining a network, this type of working method can also provide both increased competence and work satisfaction. Professional networking, in addition to seeing that MEST contributes to changes, are important factors for sustainability. To provide health promotion initiatives in the school's plans, clarification of expectations through agreements, continuous promotion, and an even closer dialogue with the students for further development of MEST are the strategies that appear to be beneficial to focus on in the future. Conclusion: As in previous research, it is seen that there are complex processes and systems when implementation of universal approaches are to be launched in the school context. A conceptual framework concisting of implementation outcomes; acceptability, appropriateness, program integrity, feasibility , coverage and sustainability is a way to understand how the various barriers and facilitiators affect implementation. At the same time it is important to highlight the strategies that should be focused on to successfully manage the most advantageous implementation.