The deadlock of saying 'That is what we already do!' A thematic analysis of mental health care professionals' reactions to using an evidence-based intervention

INTRODUCTION: Evidence-based interventions are required in mental health nursing to improve quality and outcome for patients. However, there is a need to shed light on professionals' reactions to the use of evidence-based interventions to better understand and adjust the implementation process.

AIM: To explore mental health care professionals' reactions to using the evidence-based intervention Guided Self-Determination method in the care of inpatients with severe mental illness.

METHOD: A qualitative study conducted in relation to an 8 months implementation program.

DATA COLLECTION: 9 qualitative interviews and field notes generated from supervision of the intervention.

RESULTS: Four themes emerged from a thematic analysis: 'The expert becomes novice', 'Theory used as a looking glass', 'Guided Self-Determination perceived as an interruption' and 'Becoming an informer of the impact of GSD'.

DISCUSSION: Using the themes may help leaders or researchers predict or discover the support needed by individual professionals.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: When preparing implementation of an evidence-based intervention, it is important to consider adaptation and acceptability, as well as support from management and participation in supervision. Finally, it is worth to consider collecting data from trained professionals, who did not use the intervention in practice to understand barriers towards evidence-based practise. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.