What does it take to build sustainable intersectoral recreation initiatives? Learning from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR)

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe National Framework for Recreation in Canada states that collaboration across sectors is key to enabling recreation among Canadians. By applying an implementation science approach, through using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), factors contributing to the feasibility and sustainability of an intersectoral leisure education intervention named Steps to Connect were explored. After piloting the program, data collection and knowledge exchange informed by the CFIR were performed through facilitator debriefing interviews (n = 17 interviews with 8 facilitators), a facilitator focus group (n = 5), and a stakeholder engagement meeting (n = 7). The CFIR aided in elicitation and organization of information about the context and processes that were imperative to the redevelopment and sustainability of Steps to Connect. Findings confirmed both the importance of, and barriers to, intersectoral collaboration, prompting the suggestion of the need for the addition of intersectoral collaboration guidelines in the National Framework for Recreation.