Implementation theories, models & frameworks

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

Damschroder, L. J. (2020). Clarity out of chaos: use of theory in implementation research. Psychiatry research, 283, 112461.
Nilsen, P. (2020). Making sense of implementation theories, models, and frameworks. In Implementation Science 3.0 (pp. 53-79). Springer, Cham.
Tabak, R. G., Khoong, E. C., Chambers, D. A., & Brownson, R. C. (2012). Bridging research and practice: models for dissemination and implementation research. American journal of preventive medicine, 43(3), 337-350.
Dissemination & Implementation Models Webtool | An interactive, online resource designed to help researchers and practitioners navigate D&I Models through planning, selecting, combining, adapting, using, and linking to measures | www.dissemination-implementation.org
Website | Pick a theory, model, or framework | Implementation Science Resource Hub | University of Washington | https://impsciuw.org/implementation-science/research/frameworks/
YouTube video | Theories and Frameworks in Implementation Science | Rachel Shelton | IRL – Research and Science Course | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdaTFgX0II0

Well-known process models

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

Knowledge to action | Graham, I. D., Logan, J., Harrison, M. B., Straus, S. E., Tetroe, J., Caswell, W., & Robinson, N. (2006). Lost in knowledge translation: time for a map?. Journal of continuing education in the health professions, 26(1), 13-24.
Getting to outcomes | Chinman, M., Hunter, S. B., Ebener, P., Paddock, S. M., Stillman, L., Imm, P., & Wandersman, A. (2008). The getting to outcomes demonstration and evaluation: an illustration of the prevention support system. American journal of community psychology, 41(3-4), 206-224 | https://www.rand.org/health-care/projects/getting-to-outcomes.html
Model by Grol and Wensing | Grol, R., & Wensing, M. (2004). What drives change? Barriers to and incentives for achieving evidence‐based practice. Medical Journal of Australia, 180, S57-S60.

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
Theoretical Domains Framework | Michie, S., Atkins, L., & West, R. (2014). The behaviour change wheel. A guide to designing interventions. 1st ed. Great Britain: Silverback Publishing, 1003-1010.

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.
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.

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.
Normalization Process Theory | May, C., & Finch, T. (2009). Implementing, embedding, and integrating practices: an outline of normalization process theory. Sociology, 43(3), 535-554.

Well-known evaluation frameworks

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

RE-AIM | Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance| Glasgow, R. E., Vogt, T. M., & Boles, S. M. (1999). Evaluating the public health impact of health promotion interventions: the RE-AIM framework. American journal of public health, 89(9), 1322-1327. | http://www.re-aim.org
PRECEDE-PROCEED | Predisposing, Reinforcing and Enabling Constructs in Educational Diagnosis and Evaluation-Policy, Regulatory, and Organizational Constructs in Educational and Environmental Development | Green, L. W., & Kreuter, M.W. (2005). Health Program Planning: An Educational and Ecological Approach. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Implementation outcomes | Proctor, E., Silmere, H., Raghavan, R., Hovmand, P., Aarons, G., Bunger, A., ... & Hensley, M. (2011). Outcomes for implementation research: conceptual distinctions, measurement challenges, and research agenda. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 38(2), 65-76.

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