Barriers to technology transfer: Qualitative study of brief interventions and treatment centers for addiction

Introduction The transfer and translation of program with scientific evidence to clinical scenarios is often limited by a number of barriers for their implementation, making it difficult to provide benefits for a society that requires effective services. Objective The aim of this study was to identify the barriers for the adoption of brief intervention programs for the treatment of alcohol and other drugs abuse at addiction treatment centers in Mexico. Methods This is a qualitative study with a purposive sample consisting of 16 experts on transfer processes. Focused interviews were conducted and transcribed, and the data were subjected to content analysis. Results The results reported several barriers for the adoption of programs in clinical scenarios. These include the following: bureaucratic procedures and institutional policies, lack of knowledge of the theoretical bases of the program and the diversity of users demanding the service. Discussion and conclusion The study discusses the fact that the technology transfer process requires a deliberate, combined effort to ensure the implementation of programs in clinical scenarios. The barriers identified by the actors involved in the process should be considered in the development of Strategies to disseminate brief intervention programs.