Implementation strategies are methods, actions, approaches or techniques that aim to improve the adoption, implementation and the sustainability of an intervention (Proctor 2013). A single method is referred to as a discrete implementation strategy. It is most often imperative to apply and combine two or more discrete strategies into a multi-faceted implementation strategy in order to address multiple factors that influence the implementation process (Kirchner 2020). Methods for the selection and tailoring of these strategies include mapping of barriers and facilitators of implementation, involvement of stakeholders to select potential strategies and the use of more advanced methods such as intervention mapping, concept mapping, conjoint analysis or group model building (Powell et al. 2017).
Articles
- Nathan, N., Powell, B. J., Shelton, R. C., Laur, C. V., Wolfenden, L., Hailemariam, M., Yoong, S. L., Sutherland, R., Kingsland, M., Waltz, T. J., & Hall, A. (2022). Do the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) strategies adequately address sustainment?. Frontiers in health services, 2, 905909. https://doi.org/10.3389/frhs.2022.905909
- Kirchner JE, Smith JL, Powell BJ, Waltz TJ, Proctor EK. Getting a clinical innovation into practice: An introduction to implementation strategies. Psychiatry Res. 2020;283:112467.
- Powell, B. J., Beidas, R. S., Lewis, C. C., Aarons, G. A., McMillen, J. C., Proctor, E. K., & Mandell, D. S. (2017). Methods to improve the selection and tailoring of implementation strategies. The journal of behavioral health services & research, 44(2), 177-194. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-015-9475-6
- Kok, G., Gottlieb, N. H., Peters, G. J. Y., Mullen, P. D., Parcel, G. S., Ruiter, R. A., ... & Bartholomew, L. K. (2016). A taxonomy of behaviour change methods: an intervention mapping approach. Health psychology review, 10(3), 297-312. (supplementary file) https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2015.1077155
- Powell, B. J., Waltz, T. J., Chinman, M. J., Damschroder, L. J., Smith, J. L., Matthieu, M. M., ... & Kirchner, J. E. (2015). A refined compilation of implementation strategies: results from the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) project. Implementation Science, 10(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-015-0209-1
- Proctor, E. K., Powell, B. J., & McMillen, J. C. (2013). Implementation strategies: recommendations for specifying and reporting.Implementation Science,8(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-8-139
- Michie, S., Richardson, M., Johnston, M., Abraham, C., Francis, J., Hardeman, W., ... & Wood, C. E. (2013). The behavior change technique taxonomy (v1) of 93 hierarchically clustered techniques: building an international consensus for the reporting of behavior change interventions.Annals of behavioral medicine,46(1), 81-95. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-013-9486-6
Tools/websites
- Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) tool | Website Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research | https://cfirguide.org/choosing-strategies/
- Selecting the right implementation strategy | Third Coast Center for AIDS Research | https://www.thirdcoastcfar.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Selecting-the-Right-Implementation-Strategy-UNC-VGo.pdf
- Toolbox for change strategies | The Center for Implementation | https://thecenterforimplementation.com/toolbox
Videos
- Identifying, Specifying, and Applying Implementation Strategies | Byron Powel | National Cancer Institute Scientific Events and Resources | https://youtu.be/MGtw7WAIkOk?si=lQ0LuSb11a5r_2CK
- Implementing a practice change – Implementation strategies | Queensland Government – QLD Health | Implementation | Queensland Health
- Implementation strategies for real life | Laura Damschroder | Essential Implementation | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPCJWA7mVjk