The introduction and implementation of open dialogue in a day center in Athens, Greece: experiences and reflections of mental health professionals

Bibliographic Details
Title: The introduction and implementation of open dialogue in a day center in Athens, Greece: experiences and reflections of mental health professionals
Authors: Marina Christina Skourteli, Philia Issari, Lito Dimou, Ariadni O. A. Antonopoulou, Georgia Bairami, Artemis Stefanidou, V. Kouroglou, Stelios Stylianidis
Source: Frontiers in Psychology, Vol 14 (2023)
Publisher Information: Frontiers Media S.A., 2023.
Publication Year: 2023
Collection: LCC:Psychology
Subject Terms: open dialogue, implementation, mental health multidisciplinary team, action research, interpersonal dynamics, Psychology, BF1-990
More Details: IntroductionThe present study is part of a large-scale original action-research project aiming to assess the introduction and implementation of the Open Dialogue approach within the clinical practice of an established multidisciplinary team in a Day Centre in Athens, Greece. More specifically, it aimed to explore the experiences of professionals within the process of implementation both in relation to their clinical practice and their professional identity.MethodsData collection employed a focus group, which was set up to explore professional reflections of the implementation and research processes since the introduction of the model. Thematic Analysis of transcripts revealed two main themes that correspond to the impact of Open Dialogue on professionals’ clinical practice and on team dynamics, respectively.ResultsProfessionals identify several challenges in implementing OD, such as difficulties in linking theory to practice, containing uncertainty, and addressing cultural barriers to dialogical ways of working. Professionals further reflect on their own internal journey stemming from the implementation of Open Dialogue that has led them to greater openness and growth, personally and as a team.DiscussionThe role of mental health professionals is being acknowledged as being at the frontline of any meaningful psychiatric reform through the assimilation and promotion of humanistic paradigms aiming towards a change of culture in psychiatric care across different contexts. Despite variations in implementation across different contexts, the importance of consolidating and embracing Open Dialogue as a philosophical framework underpinning mental health care is being discussed.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 1664-1078
Relation: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1074203/full; https://doaj.org/toc/1664-1078
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1074203
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/e3a8792615da4883a7e3fb469a8e2f89
Accession Number: edsdoj.3a8792615da4883a7e3fb469a8e2f89
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
More Details
ISSN:16641078
DOI:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1074203
Published in:Frontiers in Psychology
Language:English