Dissemination and implementation of the Time Out! Getting Life Back on Track programme – results of an evaluation study

Abstract

Very little is known about how implementations that follow on from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) affect a programme's impact. The study aimed to use assessments from programme providers to evaluate changes in the impact of the Time Out! Getting Life Back on Track programme. Furthermore, the study aimed to identify factors that enhanced the success of the implementation. The data were gathered at two stages of a nationwide implementation through questionnaires completed by programme counsellors (n = 397 and 359) and key stakeholders (n = 47). Data from a related RCT study were used for comparison (n = 182). According to the assessments of counsellors, the programme had not lost its positive impact on the client's life. Several factors were found to be associated with successful implementation. Successful implementation requires a continuous and longer term multilevel approach at three levels: the research level, the practical level in municipalities and the policy level.

Keywords:

• implementation
• dissemination
• evidence-based intervention
• programme effectiveness