AOM: Qualitative study and Photovoice

The main objective of the qualitative study is to understand how the ACCESS Open Minds (AOM) model was implemented at the various AOM sites located in urban, rural, and Indigenous communities across Canada. More specifically, this has meant understanding how sites developed practices that respond to their unique needs, the role and importance of relationships within and between sites (the role and value of a network such as AOM), as well as the experiences of ensuring the sustainability of the services implemented. A key component of the qualitative study was the engagement of youth and families/carers in the different aspects of the research process, particularly during the data analysis phases. 

 

As part of the data collection process, in-depth interviews were conducted with stakeholders including youth, families, clinicians, as well as decision-makers to understand what they thought and felt about the services that were being transformed. Document analysis was also carried out to capture processes/interactions, concepts around youth mental health, and tools/guides that framed the implementation of services. 

 

Data analysis included codebook development and thematic analysis, which resulted in the identification of the following themes: the role of partnership formation and networking; the importance of leadership; the possibility of adaptation and creativity; the role of context in implementation; steps taken towards sustainability.