Exploring service users, families and professionals´ experiences with Open Dialogue in a portuguese psychosocial rehabilitation unit

Ferreira, Ana Raquel da Rocha

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/29847

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Authors

Ferreira, Ana Raquel da Rocha

Advisor(s)

Almeida, Raquel Simões de

Villares, Cecília

Pereira, João G.

Abstract(s)

Open Dialogue is a collaborative and ongoing mental health intervention that emerged in Western Lapland, Finland, in the 1980s. Since then, it has spread globally, showing exceptional results, especially in th treatment of acute psychoses. This approach envolves the persona t the center of concern, their family and professionals in network meetings, with the aim of promoting mutual understanding and joint decision-making. Despite itssuccess, the implementation can face challenges, particularly in adapting to diferente organizational contexts and overcoming professional resistance. This study sought to explore the experiences of the person at the center of concerns, families and professionals during the implementation of Open Dialogue in a Portuguese Psychosocial Rehabilitation Unit called Montemovimento. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with thirteen inteviews with four persons at the center of the concern, four family members and five professionals. The participants were selected by purposive non-probabilistic sampling. Data was collected through semi-structered interviews and anlyzed through thematic analysis, using WebQDA software. Three dominant themes emerged: challenges in implementation, impact of the principles and impacto n the persona t the center of the concern, families and professionals. Challenges included resistance to change, time constraints and the need for cultural adaptation. Key principles such as flexibility, immediate help and acceptance of uncertainty were valued. The sessions promoted better communication and a more humanized therapeutic environment. It also facilitated better family involvement and professional collaboration. The results indicate that Open Dialogue promotes a more humanized and efective therapeutic environment, emphasizing the importance of family involvement and collaborative care. However, the challenges in implementaion highlight the need for ongoing training and organizational support if the benefits of this approach are to be fullu achieved.