Brief Report: Pitfalls and Potentials in Using Methods From Action Research and Systems Thinking When Engaging and Mobilizing Participants in a Community

Abstract

This brief report discusses our experiences of exploring recruitment challenges in family-focused alcohol treatment and seeking possible solutions to these challenges. We used methods, inspired by Action Research and Systems Thinking, to engage and mobilize participants in two Danish rural municipalities. In the project, local participation from a broad range of stakeholders and a shared understanding of the local context gave rise to increased focus on and awareness of alcohol challenges in the community. We reflect on the importance of assessing whether a community is ready for change; the importance of integrating capacity-building and implementation from the beginning; the importance of engaging a wide range of stakeholders when creating a system map and the importance of recruiting community leaders to workshops, as implementation requires the engagement of persons who have the authority, capacity, and networks to lead systems changes across the community.