Organisational implementation climate in implementing internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy for depression
Authors: Vis Christiaan , Kleiboer Annet , Mol Mayke , Pedersen Claus Duedal , Finch Tracy , Smit Jan , Riper Heleen ,   on behalf of the MasterMind Consortium, Albaina Olatz , Cavallo Marco , Dozeman Els , Duedal Pedersen Claus , Ebert David , Etzelmüller Anne , van der Eycken Erik , Fullaondo Ane , Gabilondo Andrea , González Pinto Ana , Gutiérrez Begoña , Kleiboer Annet , Kohls Elisabeth , de Manuel Esteban , Mathiasen Kim , Mol Mayke , Mora Joana , Peleteiro-Pensado Luisa , Ponte Joaquín , Power Kevin , Retolaza Ander , Riper Heleen , Sacco Ylenia , van Schaik Anneke , Sierra Callau Modesto , Skjøth Mette Maria , Smit Jan , Sogomonjan Melita , Tajes-Alonso Maria , Txarramendieta Jon , Vis Christiaan , Wright Chris , Zanalda Enrico 
Published: May 2022

Background

Internet-based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (iCBT) for depression have been implemented in routine care across Europe in varying ways, at various scales and with varying success. This study aimed to advance our understanding of organisational implementation climate from the perspectives of implementers and mental health service deliverers.

Methods

Qualitative and quantitative methods were combined to study the concept of organisational implementation climate in mental health care settings. Based on concept mapping, a qualitative workshop with implementers was used to conceptualise organisational implementation climate for optimizing iCBT use in routine practice. Service deliverers involved in the provision of iCBT were invited to participate in an explorative cross-sectional survey assessing levels of satisfaction and usability of iCBT, and organisational implementation climate in implementing iCBT. The two methods were applied independently to study viewpoints of implementers as well as service deliverers. Corresponding to the explorative nature of the study, inductive reasoning was applied to identify patterns and develop a reasonable explanation of the observations made. Correlative associations between satisfaction, usability and implementation climate were explored.

Results

Sixteen implementers representing fourteen service delivery organisations across Europe participated in the workshop. The top-three characteristics of a supportive organisational implementation climate included: (1) clear roles and skills of implementers, (2) feasible implementation targets, and (3) a dedicated implementation team. The top-three tools for creating a supportive implementation climate included: (1) feedback on job performance, (2) progress monitoring in achieving implementation targets, and (3) guidelines for assessing the impact of iCBT. The survey (n=111) indicated that service providers generally regarded their organisational implementation climate as supportive in implementing iCBT services. Organisational implementation climate was weakly associated with perceived usability and moderately with satisfaction with iCBT services.

Conclusions

Organisational implementation climate is a relevant factor to implementers and service deliverers in implementing iCBT in routine care. It is not only an inherent characteristic of the context in which implementation takes place, it can also be shaped to improve implementation of iCBT services. Future research should further theorise organisational implementation climate and empirically validate the measurement instruments such as used in this study.