Open Dialogue Approach Exploring and Describing Participants’ Experiences in an Open Dialogue Training Program

Abstract

Open dialogue (OD) is a family-oriented approach that has demonstrated good outcomes in treatment of first-episode psychosis. OD focuses on communication as a joint process of constructing meaning among patients, their social networks, and professionals. The current study investigates how 42 participants experienced a training program in OD. The study comprises a cohort with a longitudinal design. Data were collected by means of semi-structured questionnaires and contained quantitative and qualitative data. Descriptive analysis was performed to analyze quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Findings show that participants’ learning outcomes and confidence with using OD with patients, social networks, and professionals increased significantly throughout the training program. Reflection and role play were essential learning methods. Participants defined themselves as in-progress and considered the training program educational, engaging, and varied. Three main themes arose from the data: Developing an OD Training Program, Competence Development “From Novice to Expert,” and Participation and Commitments.