Implementation of preventive mental health services for children of
physically ill parents: experiences in seven European countries and
health care systems
Objective: Parental physical disease is a family issue, but families’
minor children are seldom considered. The current study analyzed
experiences with implementation of counseling for families with
physically ill parents and minor children during a European multisite
pilot project.
Method: Implementation protocols of seven European partner centers
collaborating in a joint research project were analyzed by Mayring’s
qualitative content analysis. Both an inductive approach and a deductive
approach were chosen. Satisfaction of families and therapists was
considered based on information from three partner centers.
Results: Satisfaction with counseling was rather high. Mentioned
problems referred to aspects related to liaison partners, family-related
aspects and physicians’ concerns. Recommendations related to contacting
families, liaising with other professions, implementing counseling
together with a research project, and training. Results are integrated
in the current dissemination literature.
Conclusion: Successful implementation was mostly determined by aspects
of interdisciplinary cooperation and communication, perceived relative
advantage and organizational premises. With regard to this kind of
innovative child-centered family mental health services, top-down and
bottom-up implementation strategies should be combined, and strategies
of maintenance and sustainability should be considered from the very
beginning. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved
