Stakeholder perspectives on engagement in Theory of Change-driven participatory workshops: a qualitative strategy for Implementation Science

• Grant number: 24/10832-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nursing
• Principal Investigator: Maria Giovana Borges Saidel
• Grantee: Bianca Brandão da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Enfermagem. Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Mental disorders are among the leading contributors to disability and morbidity. In Brazil, Community-based Mental Health Centres provides approaches focused on human rights and community-based healthcare. Given the universal gap between evidence-based practices and their availability to individuals with mental disorders, engagements with implementation science enable the identification of factors that hinder or facilitate the implementation process in mental health contexts. By integrating theoretical approaches and strategic devices, such as the Theory of Change and the Research Management Committee, the chances of successfully implementing interventions like Peer Support are increased. Objective: To understand stakeholders' perceptions of using the Theory of Change in participatory workshops to improve implementation outcomes of Peer Support in the municipality of Campinas, São Paulo. Method: Prospective descriptive study using the Theory of Change methodology and qualitative approaches. The study will be conducted at the University of Campinas with participants from the Research Management Committee. Data collection will involve participant observation techniques, workshops, semi-structured interviews, research journey and meeting minutes with stakeholders. Data analysis will be conducted using a hybrid analysis technique supported by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and NVivo software. The results will be discussed from the perspective of the Theory of Change.