Qualitative evaluation of a community intervention in educational centres: Opinion of the professionals involved

BACKGROUND: Consulta Joven is a community intervention developed in primary care to address adolescents´ health needs. It offers open health consultations in secondary schools within a context of trust and confidentiality and is complemented by additional health promotion activities. This study explores the perceptions of professionals involved in the programme regarding challenges and key elements influencing its implementation. METHODS: A qualitative, descriptive-interpretive approach study was conducted in primary care in Mallorca (Spain) in 2017. Participants were recruited by Consulta Joven coordinators using purposive theoretical sampling. Three focus groups were conducted with ten nurses, four physicians, and six teachers. Two researchers independently coded transcripts using a general inductive approach. Categories were developed through content analysis and refined through team discussion. RESULTS: Four categories emerged: Perceived value and usefulness of Consulta Joven, Barriers to implementation, Key elements for programme development, and Proposals for improvement. Participants described Consulta Joven as an effective strategy to reach adolescents, promote healthy behaviours, and identify health problems before they seek medical care. Trust and confidentiality are highlighted as essential for its success, along with intersectoral collaboration with community stakeholders. Conclusions, Professionals perceive Consulta Joven as a useful intervention to adolescent health promotion. Strengthening institutional support and collaboration between the health and education sectors, and introducing the programme at earlier educational stages, may enhance its preventive impact.