Investigating implementation and implementation practices of school health promotion in Austria

Abstract

Background: Implementation of health psychology and health promotion interventions is a complex process, influenced by a multitude of factors, which we still know little about. This presentation will introduce a multiple-case study within the field of school health promotion, which investigated how (and why) schools implement health promotion – focussing specifically on hindering and supporting factors during implementation. Methods: Set within a mixed method case-study design, this presentation draws on findings from in-depth interviews (n=22), 9 group discussions (n=49), and 14 overt observations conducted in three schools. Data was analysed thematically and hermeneutically. Findings: The presentation will focus on factors that can support or hinder implementation of health interventions in schools on two levels: 1) Intervention level: e.g., providers of the intervention, number of people involved, duration and frequency of the intervention; 2) organisation level: e.g., culture, leadership, participation. Discussion: Paying attention to the process of implementation helps to see different reasons why schools implement interventions differently than expected. Implementation research is an important perspective with great added value for studies of health interventions.