scholarly journals Advancing mechanisms of implementation to accelerate sustainable evidence-based practice integration: protocol for generating a research agenda

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. e053474
Author(s):  
Cara C Lewis ◽  
Byron J Powell ◽  
Stephanie K Brewer ◽  
Ann M Nguyen ◽  
Simone H Schriger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Concept Mapping ◽  
Implementation Research ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
Nominal Group ◽  
Deep Dive ◽  
Effect Change ◽  
Causal Pathway

IntroductionMechanisms explain how implementation strategies work. Implementation research requires careful operationalisation and empirical study of the causal pathway(s) by which strategies effect change, and factors that may amplify or weaken their effects. Understanding mechanisms is critically important to replicate findings, learn from negative studies or adapt an implementation strategy developed in one setting to another. Without understanding implementation mechanisms, it is difficult to design strategies to produce expected effects across contexts, which may have disproportionate effects on settings in which priority populations receive care. This manuscript outlines the protocol for an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality-funded initiative to: (1) establish priorities for an agenda to guide research on implementation mechanisms in health and public health, and (2) disseminate the agenda to research, policy and practice audiences.Methods and analysisA network of scientific experts will convene in ‘Deep Dive’ meetings across 3 years. A research agenda will be generated through analysis and synthesis of information from six sources: (1) systematic reviews, (2) network members’ approaches to studying mechanisms, (3) new proposals presented in implementation proposal feedback sessions, (4) working group sessions conducted in a leading implementation research training institute, (5) breakout sessions at the Society for Implementation Research Collaboration’s (SIRC) 2019 conference and (6) SIRC conference abstracts. Two members will extract mechanism-relevant text segments from each data source and a third member will generate statements as an input for concept mapping. Concept mapping will generate unique clusters of challenges, and the network will engage in a nominal group process to identify priorities for the research agenda.Ethics and disseminationThis initiative will yield an actionable research agenda to guide research to identify and test mechanisms of change for implementation strategies. The agenda will be disseminated via multiple channels to solicit feedback and promote rigorous research on implementation mechanisms.

scholarly journals Fostering international collaboration in implementation science and research: a concept mapping exploratory study

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory A. Aarons ◽  
Chariz Seijo ◽  
Amy E. Green ◽  
Joanna C. Moullin ◽  
Henna Hasson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Planning ◽  
Implementation Science ◽  
Concept Mapping ◽  
Implementation Research ◽  
International Collaboration ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Research Strategies ◽  
Services Research ◽  
Shared Identity ◽  
International Collaborations

Abstract Objective International collaboration in science has received increasing attention given emphases on relevance, generalizability, and impact of research. Implementation science (IS) is a growing discipline that aims to translate clinical research findings into health services. Research is needed to identify efficient and effective ways to foster international collaboration in IS. Concept-mapping (CM) was utilized with a targeted sample for preliminary exploration of fostering international collaboration. Concept-mapping is a mixed-method approach (qualitative/quantitative) particularly suited for identifying essential themes and action items to facilitate planning among diverse stakeholders. We sought to identify key factors likely to facilitate productive and rewarding international collaborations in implementation research. Results We identified eleven dimensions: Strategic Planning; Practicality; Define Common Principles; Technological Tools for Collaboration; Funding; Disseminate Importance of Fostering International Collaboration in IS; Knowledge Sharing; Innovative & Adaptive Research; Training IS Researchers; Networking & Shared Identity; Facilitate Meetings. Strategic Planning and Funding were highest rated for importance and Strategic Planning and Networking and Shared Identity were rated most feasible to institute. Fostering international collaboration in IS can accelerate the efficiency, relevance, and generalizability of implementation research. Strategies should be developed and tested to improve international collaborations and engage junior and experienced investigators in collaborations advancing implementation science and practice.

Adaptation in Dissemination and Implementation Science

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana A. Baumann ◽  
Leopoldo J. Cabassa ◽  
Shannon Wiltsey Stirman
Keyword(s):  
Implementation Science ◽  
Implementation Research ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
Dissemination And Implementation ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Implementation Outcomes ◽  
Dissemination And Implementation Science ◽  
Dissemination And Implementation Research

This chapter focuses on adaptations in the context of dissemination and implementation research and practice. Consistent with the existing literature, the authors recommend that adaptations be proactively and iteratively determined, strongly informed by a variety of stakeholders, and that efforts be made to carefully describe and document the nature of the adaptations and evaluate their impact on desired service, health, and implementation outcomes. While this chapter focuses on adaptations to interventions and the context of practice, the authors also note that adaptations may need to be made to implementation strategies. Following the call by Proctor and colleagues for further precision in defining and operationalizing implementation strategies, and based on evidence that scholars are not necessarily reporting what and how they are adapting the interventions, scholars are urged to define and evaluate the adaptations they are making not only to the interventions and context of practice but also to the implementation strategies.

scholarly journals Barriers to implementing motivational interviewing in addiction treatment: A nominal group technique process evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 263348952110184
Author(s):  
Melissa R Hatch ◽  
Kristine Carandang ◽  
Joanna C Moullin ◽  
Mark G Ehrhart ◽  
Gregory A Aarons
Keyword(s):  
Motivational Interviewing ◽  
Process Evaluation ◽  
Nominal Group Technique ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Nominal Group ◽  
Management Level ◽  
Implementation Program ◽  
Ebp Implementation ◽  
Staff Level

Background: The successful implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in real-world settings requires an adaptive approach and ongoing process evaluation and tailoring. Although conducting a needs assessment during the preparation phase of implementation is beneficial, it is challenging to predict all barriers to EBP implementation that may arise over the course of implementation and sustainment. This article describes a process evaluation that identified emergent and persistent barriers that impacted the implementation of an EBP across multiple behavioral health organizations and clinics. Methods: This study was conducted during the first cohort of a cluster randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of the Leadership and Organizational Change for Implementation (LOCI) strategy to implement motivational interviewing (MI) in substance use disorder treatment agencies and clinics. We used a modified nominal group technique (NGT) in which clinic leaders identified barriers faced during the implementation process. Barriers were categorized, then ranked and rated according to leaders’ perceptions of each barrier’s influence on implementation. The barriers were then contextualized through individual qualitative interviews. Results: Fifteen barriers were identified, grouped into staff-level barriers, management-level barriers, and implementation program barriers. Time and resistance to MI were rated as the most influential staff-level barriers. Among management-level barriers, time was also rated highest, followed by turnover and external contractual constraints. The most influential implementation barrier was client apprehension of recording for fidelity assessment and feedback. Individual interviews supported these findings and provided suggested adaptations for future implementation efforts. Conclusion: EBP implementation is an ongoing process whereby implementation strategies must be proactively and strategically tailored to address emergent barriers. This research described a process evaluation that was used to identify 15 emergent and/or persistent barriers related to staff, management, and the implementation program. Using implementation strategies that can be tailored and/or adapted to such emergent barriers is critical to implementation effectiveness. Plain Language Summary Unforeseen barriers often arise during the course of implementation. Conducting evaluations during implementation allows for tailoring the implementation strategy. As part of a larger study using the Leadership and Organizational Change for Implementation (LOCI) strategy to implement motivational interviewing (MI), we collected data from the first cohort of LOCI clinic leaders to identify barriers to MI implementation that persisted despite advanced planning and to understand unanticipated barriers that arose during implementation. Leaders identified 15 barriers faced during the implementation process that fell into three categories: staff-level barriers, management-level barriers, and implementation program barriers. The leaders ranked time as the most influential barrier at both the staff and management levels. Staff apprehension, resistance to MI implementation, and staff turnover were also of significant concern to leaders. Future implementation efforts may benefit from conducting a similar process evaluation during the implementation phase.

scholarly journals Designing the next generation of implementation research training for learners in low- and middle-income countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Penkunas ◽  
Shiau Yun Chong ◽  
Emma L. M. Rhule ◽  
Evangelia Berdou ◽  
Pascale Allotey
Keyword(s):  
Implementation Research ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Training Model ◽  
Learning By Doing ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
System Level ◽  
High Quality Research ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

AbstractEfficacious health interventions tested through controlled trials often fail to show desired impacts when implemented at scale. These challenges can be particularly pervasive in low- and middle-income settings where health systems often lack the capacity and mechanisms required for high-quality research and evidence translation. Implementation research is a powerful tool for identifying and addressing the bottlenecks impeding the success of proven health interventions. Implementation research training initiatives, although growing in number, remain out of reach for many investigators in low- and middle-income settings, who possess the knowledge required to contextualize challenges and potential solutions in light of interacting community- and system-level features. We propose a realigned implementation research training model that centers on team-based learning, tailored didactic opportunities, learning-by-doing, and mentorship.

scholarly journals Enhancing the Impact of Implementation Strategies in Healthcare: A Research Agenda

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byron J. Powell ◽  
Maria E. Fernandez ◽  
Nathaniel J. Williams ◽  
Gregory A. Aarons ◽  
Rinad S. Beidas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Agenda ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Implementation research training for learners in low- and middle-income countries: Evaluating behavior change after participating in a massive online open course

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Launois ◽  
Dermot Maher ◽  
Edith Certain ◽  
Bella Ross ◽  
Michael J. Penkunas
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Implementation Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
World Health ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background Implementation research (IR) can play a critical role in the delivery of disease control interventions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The growing demand for IR training has led to the development of a range of training programs and university courses, the majority of which can not be accessed by learners in LMICs. This article reports on the evaluation of a massive open online course (MOOC) developed by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases hosted by the World Health Organization on the topic of IR with a focus on infectious diseases of poverty. This study followed Kirkpatrick’s Model to evaluate training programs with a specific focus on post-training changes in behavior. Methods MOOC participants were invited to take part in an anonymous online survey examining their IR knowledge and how they applied it in their professional practice approximately 1-1.5 years after completing the MOOC. The survey contained 43 open-ended, multiple choice and Likert-type questions. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the quantitative data and responses to the open-ended questions were thematically coded. Results A total of 748 MOOC participants responded to the survey. The demographic profile of the survey respondents aligned with that of the MOOC participants, with nearly 70% of respondents originating from Africa. Responses to the quantitative and open-ended survey questions revealed that respondents’ IR knowledge had improved to a large extent as a result of the MOOC, and that they used the knowledge and skills gained in their professional lives frequently. Respondents most often cited changes in their conceptual understanding of IR and understanding of the research process as substantial areas of change influenced by participating in the MOOC. Conclusions These findings indicate that the MOOC was successful in targeting learners from LMICs, in strengthening their IR knowledge and in contributing to their ability to apply it in their professional practice. The utility of MOOCs for providing IR training to learners in LMICs, where implementation challenges are encountered often, makes this platform an ideal standalone learning tool or one that could be combined with other training formats.

scholarly journals Health system interventions to integrate genetic testing in routine oncology services: A systematic review

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0250379
Author(s):  
Rosie O’Shea ◽  
Natalie Taylor ◽  
Ashley Crook ◽  
Chris Jacobs ◽  
Yoon Jung Kang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Genetic Testing ◽  
Genetic Counselling ◽  
Implementation Research ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Complex Interventions ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
Newcastle Ottawa Scale ◽  
Inner Setting

Background Integration of genetic testing into routine oncology care could improve access to testing. This systematic review investigated interventions and the tailored implementation strategies aimed at increasing access to genetic counselling and testing and identifying hereditary cancer in oncology. Methods The search strategy results were reported using the PRISMA statement and four electronic databases were searched. Eligible studies included routine genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer or uptake after universal tumour screening for colorectal or endometrial cancer. The titles and abstracts were reviewed and the full text articles screened for eligibility. Data extraction was preformed using a designed template and study appraisal was assessed using an adapted Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Extracted data were mapped to Proctor’s et al outcomes and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and qualitatively synthesised. Results Twenty-seven studies, published up to May 2020, met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-five studies ranged from poor (72%), fair to good (28%) quality. Most interventions identified were complex (multiple components) such as; patient or health professional education, interdisciplinary practice and a documentation or system change. Forty-eight percent of studies with complex interventions demonstrated on average a 35% increase in access to genetic counselling and a 15% increase in testing completion. Mapping of study outcomes showed that 70% and 32% of the studies aligned with either the service and client or the implementation level outcome and 96% to the process or inner setting domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Conclusion Existing evidence suggests that complex interventions have a potentially positive effect towards genetic counselling and testing completion rates in oncology services. Studies of sound methodological quality that explore a greater breadth of pre and post implementation outcomes and informed by theory are needed. Such research could inform future service delivery models for the integration of genetics into oncology services.

scholarly journals Application of an antiracism lens in the field of implementation science (IS): Recommendations for reframing implementation research with a focus on justice and racial equity

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 263348952110494
Author(s):  
Rachel C. Shelton ◽  
Prajakta Adsul ◽  
April Oh ◽  
Nathalie Moise ◽  
Derek M. Griffith
Keyword(s):  
Implementation Science ◽  
Health Equity ◽  
Implementation Research ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
Health Inequities ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Racial Equity ◽  
Structural Racism ◽  
Core Elements ◽  
Evaluation Approaches

Background Despite the promise of implementation science (IS) to reduce health inequities, critical gaps and opportunities remain in the field to promote health equity. Prioritizing racial equity and antiracism approaches is critical in these efforts, so that IS does not inadvertently exacerbate disparities based on the selection of frameworks, methods, interventions, and strategies that do not reflect consideration of structural racism and its impacts. Methods Grounded in extant research on structural racism and antiracism, we discuss the importance of advancing understanding of how structural racism as a system shapes racial health inequities and inequitable implementation of evidence-based interventions among racially and ethnically diverse communities. We outline recommendations for explicitly applying an antiracism lens to address structural racism and its manifests through IS. An anti-racism lens provides a framework to guide efforts to confront, address, and eradicate racism and racial privilege by helping people identify racism as a root cause of health inequities and critically examine how it is embedded in policies, structures, and systems that differentially affect racially and ethnically diverse populations. Results We provide guidance for the application of an antiracism lens in the field of IS, focusing on select core elements in implementation research, including: (1) stakeholder engagement; (2) conceptual frameworks and models; (3) development, selection, adaptation of EBIs; (4) evaluation approaches; and (5) implementation strategies. We highlight the need for foundational grounding in antiracism frameworks among implementation scientists to facilitate ongoing self-reflection, accountability, and attention to racial equity, and provide questions to guide such reflection and consideration. Conclusion We conclude with a reflection on how this is a critical time for IS to prioritize focus on justice, racial equity, and real-world equitable impact. Moving IS towards making consideration of health equity and an antiracism lens foundational is central to strengthening the field and enhancing its impact. Plain language abstract There are important gaps and opportunities that exist in promoting health equity through implementation science. Historically, the commonly used frameworks, measures, interventions, strategies, and approaches in the field have not been explicitly focused on equity, nor do they consider the role of structural racism in shaping health and inequitable delivery of evidence-based practices/programs. This work seeks to build off of the long history of research on structural racism and health, and seeks to provide guidance on how to apply an antiracism lens to select core elements of implementation research. We highlight important opportunities for the field to reflect and consider applying an antiracism approach in: 1) stakeholder/community engagement; 2) use of conceptual frameworks; 3) development, selection and adaptation of evidence-based interventions; 4) evaluation approaches; 5) implementation strategies (e.g., how to deliver evidence-based practices, programs, policies); and 6) how researchers conduct their research, with a focus on racial equity. This is an important time for the field of implementation science to prioritize a foundational focus on justice, equity, and real-world impact through the application of an anti-racism lens in their work.

scholarly journals Implementation Research Training Framework 2.0: Making the whole greater than the parts

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Implementation Research ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
And Training ◽  
New Framework

Clinical innovations alone do not generate public health impact. Implementation research (IR) is a powerful tool for identifying the bottlenecks impeding scale up efforts and helping to turn scientifically tested solutions into routine practice. To enhance the ability of investigators in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to design, conduct and interpret IR, several actors, such as the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), have sought to strengthen researchers' capacity to design and undertake IR. This report outlines the development of a new framework for IR training in LMICs to inspire thinking and discussion on how training approaches can best serve learners' needs.

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