Developing Pre-Implementation Strategies for a Co-Designed, Technology-Assisted Parenting Intervention Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) Approach

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a major risk factor for mental disorders in children. Parenting interventions can mitigate the impact of family-level ACEs and subsequently improve young people’s mental health. However, a substantial research-to-practice gap hinders access to, and uptake of, available interventions. Aim: This study aimed to develop actionable strategies to support the implementation of an evidence-based, co-designed, technology-assisted parenting intervention by understanding potential barriers and facilitators from the perspectives of service providers working with families of children experiencing ACEs. Methods: We conducted one-on-one interviews with 14 staff at a community health service (six managers, eight service providers). A theoretical thematic analysis was used. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guided the data collection and analysis of barriers and facilitators. Pre-implementation strategies were informed by The Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) compilation. The CFIR–ERIC matching tool was used to match the CFIR barriers identified by participants in this study with ERIC strategies to overcome these barriers. Results: Fourteen CFIR constructs were identified as facilitators, and eleven as barriers. By using the CFIR–ERIC tool, eleven strategies to mitigate the barriers were identified. Most strategies were aligned to the ERIC clusters Use evaluative and iterative strategies (n = 4) and Develop stakeholder interrelationships (n = 3). Conclusions: The CFIR–ERIC approach offered relevant and concise pre-implementation strategies for addressing potential barriers to implementing a novel, co-designed, technology-assisted parenting intervention for parents of children with ACEs. The identified facilitators support the utility of co-designing interventions as an initial phase in bridging research-to-practice gaps. Healthcare settings aiming to innovate services with technology-assisted parenting interventions to improve child mental health can draw on findings from the current study to guide pre-implementation plans for innovative, technology-assisted parenting interventions to improve child mental health.