Did you know that there are around 170 theories, models and frameworks (TMFs) used in the field of Implementation Science? A brief outline of available material on this topic is given here.  

General work on implementation TMFs

Well-known process models

Process models describe/guide the process of translating research into practice.

Well-known determinant frameworks

Determinant frameworks understand and/or explain influences on implementation outcomes.

  • CFIR | Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research | Damschroder, L. J., Aron, D. C., Keith, R. E., Kirsh, S. R., Alexander, J. A., & Lowery, J. C. (2009). Fostering implementation of health services research findings into practice: a consolidated framework for advancing implementation science. Implementation science, 4(1), 1-15. | www.cfirguide.org
  • CFIR 2.0 | Damschroder, L. J., Reardon, C. M., Widerquist, M. A. O., & Lowery, J. (2022). The updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research based on user feedback. Implementation science, 17(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-022-01245-0
  • Atkins, L., Francis, J., Islam, R., O’Connor, D., Patey, A., Ivers, N., Foy, R., Duncan, E. M., Colquhoun, H., Grimshaw, J. M., Lawton, R., & Michie, S. (2017). A guide to using the Theoretical Domains Framework of behaviour change to investigate implementation problems. Implementation Science, 12(1), 77. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-017-0605-9

Hybrid: Determinant and process

  • EPIS | Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment | Moullin, J. C., Dickson, K. S., Stadnick, N. A., Rabin, B., & Aarons, G. A. (2019). Systematic review of the exploration, preparation, implementation, sustainment (EPIS) framework. Implementation Science, 14(1), 1-16. | https://EPISFramework.com
  • PARIHS | Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services | Harvey, G., & Kitson, A. (2015). Implementing evidence-based practice in healthcare: a facilitation guide. Routledge. Implementing Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare | A Facilitation Gu
  • I-PARIHS | Integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services | Harvey, G., & Kitson, A. (2015). PARIHS revisited: from heuristic to integrated framework for the successful implementation of knowledge into practice. Implementation science, 11(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-016-0398-2

Well-known classic theories

Originally from other fields, can be applied to provide understanding and/or explanation of aspects of implementation.

  • Theory of Diffusion | Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations. New York: Free Press.

Well-known implementation theories

Developed by implementation researchers, provide understanding and/or explanation of aspects of implementation.

  • The Behaviour Change Wheel, including COM-B | Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour | Michie, S., Van Stralen, M. M., & West, R. (2011). The behaviour change wheel: a new method for characterising and designing behaviour change interventions. Implementation science, 6(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-6-42
  • Normalization Process Theory | May, C., & Finch, T. (2009). Implementing, embedding, and integrating practices: an outline of normalization process theory. Sociology, 43(3), 535-554. https://doi.org/10.1177/0038038509103208

Well-known evaluation frameworks

Specify aspects of implementation that could be evaluated to determine implementation success.

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