From Model to Practice: A Qualitative Study on Factors Influencing the Implementation of the Active Recovery Triad (ART) Model in Long-Term Mental Health Care

Background: The Active Recovery Triad (ART) model provides a framework for recovery-oriented care in the long-term mental health setting. The aim of this study is to gain insight into factors influencing the implementation process of the ART model. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with fourteen multidisciplinary teams that were in the process of implementing the ART model. Data were thematically analyzed. Results: Three phases of implementation were identified. In the first phase, getting started, support from both the top of the organization and the care workers, sufficient information to care workers, service users, and significant others, and creating momentum were considered crucial factors. In the second phase, during implementation, a stable team with a good team spirit, leadership and ambassadors, prioritizing goals, sufficient tools and training, and overcoming structural limitations in large organizations were seen as important factors. In the third phase, striving for sustainability, dealing with setbacks, maintaining attention to the ART model, and exchange with other teams and organizations were mentioned as core factors. Conclusions: The findings may support teams in making the shift from traditional care approaches towards recovery-oriented care in long-term mental health care.